tihvavy  of  €he  trheolo^ical  ^tminaxy 

PRINCETON  •  NEW  JERSEY 
PRESENTED  BY 

Rufus  H.   LeFevre 

.sz./\\ 

15^7 


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^(Uy^^^i^-f^^ 


-"ce^ 


ORIGIN,  DOCtert^'E/i  1952 


DISCIPLINE 


United  Brethren  in  Christ 


DAYTON,  OHIO 

United  Beetheen  Publishing  House 

1^97 


Copyright,  1897, 

By  The  United  Brethren  Publishing  House, 

Dayton,  Ohio. 


CONTENTS. 


PART  I. 
THE  CHURCH. 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

I.    Origin  of  the  Church, 7 

11.    Confession  of  Faith, --12 

III.  Constitution, --15 

PART  II. 
MEMBERSHIP,   MINISTRY,  AND  GOVERNMENT. 

IV.  Members, 19 

Reception  of  Members, 19 

Duties  of  Members, 21 

Trial  of  Members, 25 

Transfer  and  Dismissal  of  Members,     -       -       -  27 

V.    Government  of  the  Church, 29 

Classes, 29 

Class-Leaders, 30 

Class-Stewards, 30 

Official  Boards, 31 

Quarterly  Conference, 33 

Annual  Conference, 35 

General  Conference, -       -  37 

VI.    Ministry  of  the  Church, 42 

Exhorters,        ------...42 

Quarterly-Conference  Preachers,     -       -       -       -  42 

Annual-Conference  Preachers,         -       -       -       -  44 

Reception  of  Preachers  from  Other  Churches,  -  47 

Classification  of  the  Ministry 47 

Elders, 49 

Presiding  Elders, 50 

Bishops, 52 

Trial  of  Preachers, 55 

Marriage  — Who  May  Solemnize,     -       -       -       -  57 

Preachers'  Duties  in  General, 57 

iii 


IV  CONTENTS 

0H1.PTEB  PAGE 

Vll.    Itinerancy,  ----- 59 

Itinerants,       ----..-..59 

Duties  of  Itinerants,    ---.-..       61 
Preachers'  Salaries,      ------.64 

VIII.    Deaconesses, _-..65 

IX.    CouKSES  OF  Reading  and  Study,        -       -       -       .  ge 

For  Quarterly-Conference  Preachers,     -       -       -  66 

For  Annual-Conference  Preachers,         -       -       -  67 

German  Course  of  Reading,      -----  69 

Completing  the  Course,      ------  71 

Preparation  for  the  Ministry,  -----  71 

X.    Appeals, 72 

From  the  Decision  of  a  Class, 72 

From  the  Decision  of  a  Quarterly  Conference,  -  72 

Court  of  Appeals, 72 

XI.    Seceding  Members.    Special  Enactment,  -       -       -  75 

PART  III. 

MORAL  REFORM. 

XII.    Special,  Rules, -77 

Temperance, 77 

Sabbath  Observance, 77 

Slavery, 78 

Secret  Combinations, --78 

Oaths, 78 

War, 79 

Marriage  Relation, --79 

PART  IV. 
PROPERTY. 
XIII.    Church  Houses  and  Parsonages,     -       -       -       -       81 


XIV.    Board  of  Church  Trustees, 


PART  V. 

INSTITUTIONS   FOR   CHRISTIAN    INSTRUCTION   AND 
TRAINING. 

XV.    Sabbath  Schools, 87 

Constitution    of    the    General    Sabbath-School 

Board, 87 

Annual-Conference  Relations  and  Duties,  -       -  90 

Organization  of  Sabbath  Schools,  -       -       -       -  91 

Sabbath  Schools  and  the  Missionary  "Work,  -       -  92 

Constitution  for  a  Sabbath  School,        -       -       -  92 


CONTENTS  V 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

XVI.    Young  People's  Christian  Union,    -       -       -       -  94 
Organization,          »-.-.-.       .94 

Constitution,          -._-----  95 

PART  VI. 

BENEVOLENT  AND  EDUCATIONAL   INSTITUTIONS. 

XVII.    Home,   Frontier,   and   Foreign   Missionary  So- 
ciety—Constitution,  99 

XVIII.    Woman's  Missionary  Association,    -       -       -       -  105 

Articles  of  Incorporation,          -----  105 

By-Laws, 105 

Branch  Constitution, -  107 

Local  Constitution,       -------  109 

XIX.    Chdrch-Erection  Society  — Constitution,        -       -  111 

XX.    Printing  Establishment  and  Church  Publica- 
tions,       115 

Printing  Establishment, 115 

Church  Publications, 118 

XXI.    Education, 119 

Constitution  of  Board  of  Education,     -       -       -  119 

Academies, 123 

Colleges, 123 

Union  Biblical  Seminary, 124 

XXII.    Historical  Society, 129 

General  Conference  Approval,         -       -       -       -  129 

Constitution, _•_.  129 


PART   VII. 
BOUNDARIES. 

XXIII.  Bishops'  Districts, -133 

XXIV.  Annual-Conference  Districts,  -----  134 

PART  VIII. 
FORMULAS  AND  FORMS. 

XXV.    Formulas, 149 

Reception  of  Members, -  149 

The  Baptism  of  Adults, 150 

The  Baptism  of  Children, 151 

The  Holy  Communion, 151 

Ordination  of  Elders, 153 

Laying  Corner-Stone, 154 


Vi  CONTENTS 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

XXV.    Formulas,  continued. 

Church-Dedication,       -------155 

Marriage  Ceremony,     -------      158 

Marriage  Ceremony  with  Ring,       -       -       -       -      159 

Burial  of  the  Dead, 161 

XXVI.    Forms, 163 

Certificates  and  Licenses, 163 

Bequests, --165 

Reports, ---167 

Index, ---171 


DISCIPLINE. 

PART  I. 

The  Church, 
chapter  i. 

ORIGIN   OF  THE   UNITED    BRETHREN   IN   CHRIST. 

In  the  eighteenth  century  it  pleased  the  Lord  our  God 
to  awaken  persons  in  different  parts  of  the  world,  who 
should  raise  up  the  Christian  religion  from  its  fallen 
state  and  preach  the  gospel  of  Christ  crucified  in  its 
purity. 

About  the  middle  of  said  centuiy,  the  Lord,  in  mercy, 
remembered  the  Germans  in  America,  \vho,  living  scat- 
tered in  this  extensive  country,  seldom  had  an  oppor- 
tunity to  hear  the  gospel  of  a  crucified  Saviour  preached 
to  them  in  their  native  language. 

Among  others,  he  raised  up  William  Otterbein  and 
Martin  Boehm,  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
George  A.  Guething,  in  the  State  of  Maryland,  armed 
them  with  spirit,  grace,  and  strength  to  labor  in  his  neg- 
lected vineyard,  and  to  call,  among  the  Germans  in 
America,  sinners  to  repentance.  These  men  obeyed  the 
call  of  their  Lord  and  Master.  Their  labors  were  blessed, 
and  they  established  in  many  places  excellent  societies 
and  led  many  precious  souls  to  Jesus  Christ.  Their 
sphere  of  action  spread  more  and  more,  so  that  they  found 
it  necessary  to  look  about  for  more  fellow  laborers  to  toll 
in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord ;  for  the  harvest  was  great 
and  the  laborers  were  few.  The  Lord  called  others,  who 
were  willing  to  devote  their  strength  to  his  service. 
Such  persons  were  accepted  by  one  or  another  of  the 
preachers  as  fellow  laborers. 

7 


8  DISCIPLINE 

The  number  of  members  iu  the  society  in  different 
parts  of  the  country  continued  to  increase  as  time  passed, 
and  the  gracious  work  of  reformation  spread  through  the 
States  of  Pennsylvania,  Maryland,  and  Virginia.  Several 
great  meetings  were  appointed  and  held  annually.  On 
such  occasions  Otterbein  would  hold  particular  conver- 
sations with  the  preachers  then  present,  and  represent  to 
them  the  importance  of  the  ministry  and  the  necessity  of 
their  utmost  endeavors  to  save  souls.  At  one  of  these 
meetings  it  was  resolved  to  hold  a  conference  of  all  the 
preachers,  in  order  to  consider  in  what  manner  they 
might  be  most  useful. 

The  first  conference  was  held  in  the  city  of  Baltimore, 
Maryland,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1789.  The  following 
preachers  were  present : 

William  Otterbein,        Adam  Lehman, 
Martin  Boehm,  John  Ernst, 

Geo.  a.  Guething,  Henry  Weidner, 

Christian  Newcomer. 
The  second  conference  was  held  in  Paradise  Township, 
York  County,  Pennsylvania,  at  the  house  of  Brother 
John  Spangler,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1791.    The  fol- 
lowing preachers  were  present : 

William  Otterbein,  John  Ernst, 

Martin  Boehm,  J.  G.  Pfrimmer, 

Geo.  a.  Guething,  John  Neidig, 

Christian  Newcomer,        Benedict  Sanders, 
Adam  Lehman. 
After  mature  deliberation  as  to  how  they  might  labor 
most  usefully  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord,  they  again 
appointed  as  fellow  laborers  such  as  they  had  come  to 
believe  had  experienced  true  religion  in  their  souls. 

'Meantime,  the  number  of  members  continued  to  in- 
crease, and  the  preachers  were  obliged  to  appoint  an 
annual  conference,  in  order  to  unite  themselves  more 
closely  and  to  labor  more  successfully  in  the  vinej^ard 
of  the  Lord  ;  for  some  had  been  Presbyterians  or  Ger- 
man Reformed,  some  Lutherans,  and  others  Mennonites. 
They  accordingly  appointed  a  conference  to  be  held  on 
the  25th  of  September,  1800,  in  Frederick  County,  Mary- 


ORIGIN   OF  THE   CHURCH  9 

land,  at  the  house  of  Brother  Frederick  Kemp.     The 
following  preachers  were  present  : 

William  Otterbein,  Christian  Krum, 

Martin  Boehm,  Henry  Krum, 

Geo.  a.  Guething,  John  Hershey, 

Christian  Newcomer,        Jacob  Geisinger, 
Adam  Lehman,  Henry  Boehm, 

Abraham  Troxel,  Dietrich  Aurand, 

J.  G.  Pfrimmer. 
There  they  united  themselves  into  a  society  which 
bears  the  name  "United  Brethren  in  Christ,"  and 
elected  William  Otterbein  and  Martin  Boehm  as 
superintendents,  or  bishops,  and  agreed  that  each  of 
them  should  have  liberty  as  to  the  mode  of  baptism,  to 
administer  it  according  to  his  own  convictions. 

From  this  time,  the  society  increasing  still  more  and 
more,  preachers  were  appointed  to  travel  regularly,  as 
the  number  of  preaching-places  could  not  otherwise  be 
supplied.  The  work  soon  extended  into  the  States  of 
Ohio  and  Kentucky.  It  then  became  necessaiy  to  ap- 
point a  conference  in  the  State  of  Ohio,  because  it  was 
thought  too  laborious  for  the  preachers  who  labored  in 
those  States  to  travel  annually  such  a  great  distance  to 
conference. 

Meantime,  Martin  Boehm  and  George  A.  Guething 
died,  and  Bishop  Otterbein  desired  that  another  bishop 
should  be  elected  (because  infirmity  and  old  age  would 
not  permit  him  to  superintend  any  longer),  who  should 
take  charge  of  the  society,  and  preserve  discipline  and 
order.  It  was  resolved  at  a  former  conference  that  w  hen- 
ever  one  of  the  bishops  died  another  should  be  elected  in 
his  place.  Accordingly,  Christian  Newcomer  was 
elected  bishop,  to  take  charge  of  and  superintend  the 
concerns  of  the  society. 

The  want  of  a  Book  of  Discipline  in  the  society  had 
long  been  deeply  felt.  Partial  attemj^ts  to  provide  one 
had  been  made  at  different  times.  Hence  it  was  resolved, 
at  the  conference  held  in  the  State  of  Ohio,  that  a  Gen- 
eral Conference  should  be  held,  in  order  to  provide  the 
same,  in  a  manner  not  derogatory  to  the  word  of  God. 


10  DISCIPLINE 

The  members  of  this  conference  were  to  be  elected  from 
among  the  preachers  in  the  different  parts  of  the  country, 
by  a  vote  of  the  society  in  general.  The  following  breth- 
ren were  duly  elected : 

Christian  Newcomer,         Daniel  Troyer, 
Abraham  Hiestand,  George  Benedum, 

Andrew  Zeller,  Abraham  Troxel, 

Christian  Berger,  Henry  G.  Spayth, 

Abraham  Mayer,  I.  Niswander, 

John  Schneider,  Christian  Krum, 

Henry  Kumler,  Jacob  Bowlus. 

The  conference  convened  on  the  6tli  of  June,  1815, 
near  Mt.  Pleasant,  Westmoreland  County,  Pennsylvania. 
After  mature  deliberation,  they  presented  to  their  breth- 
ren a  Book  of  Discipline,  containing  the  doctrine  and 
rules  of  the  Church,  desiring  that  these,  together  with  the 
word  of  God,  should  be  strictly  observed,  and  admonish- 
ing the  membership  in  the  following  manner : 

God  is  a  God  of  order ;  but  where  tliere  is  no  order  and 
no  church  discipline,  the  spirit  of  love  and  charity  will  be 
lost. 

Therefore,  brethren,  we  beseech  you  to  follow  the  ex- 
ample of  our  Lord,  as  it  is  written,  "Be  kindly  affec- 
tioned  one  to  another  with  brotherly  love ;  in  honor 
preferring  one  another,"  Let  the  mind  be  in  you  which 
was  in  Christ,  who  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  servant, 
humbled  himself,  and  became  obedient  unto  death,  even 
the  death  of  the  cross,  that  by  his  grace  we  may  submit 
ourselves  one  to  another  in  the  fear  of  God.  He  who  will 
not  submit  is  in  want  of  humble  love.  Jesus  said,  "  Who- 
soever of  you  will  be  the  chiefest  shall  be  servant  of  all." 
"By  this  shall  all  men  know  that  ye  are  my  disciples,  if 
ye  have  love  one  to  another."  "He  that  loveth  not  his 
brother  abideth  in  death."  Let  us  walk  in  newness  of 
life,  that  the  prayer  of  our  Lord  may  be  answered  in  us ; 
that  we  may  be  one  in  him,  and  that  he  may  give  us  the 
glory  which  he  gave  to  his  disciples,  that  we  may  be  one, 
even  as  he  and  tlie  Father  are  one.  Therefore,  beloved 
brethren,  let  us  strive  to  be  like-minded,  having  the  same 
love,  being  of  one  accord,  of  one  mind.    Let  no  one  speak 


ORIGIN   OF  THE   CHURCH  11 

or  think  evil  of  his  brother,  but  pray  God  that  he  may 
grant  us  his  Spirit,  and  an  earnest  desire  to  lead  a  truly 
devoted  life,  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  his  holy  name. 
Amen. 

Editors'  Note.— The  foregoing  account  of  the  origin  of  the 
Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ  appeared  in  the 
Discipline  of  1815,  the  first  Discipline  published.  Only  the  slight- 
est changes  in  phraseology,  as  the  years  have  passed,  have  been 
made.  The  place  of  the  Conference  of  1800,  given  as  Frederick 
Kemp's,  is  the  same  as  the  i-esidence  of  Peter  Kemp,  as  in  the 
recently  published  History  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  the 
two  men  being  father  and  son,  and  the  farm  passing  from  the 
possession  of  one  to  that  of  the  other.  Tlie  present  Discipline 
contains  the  Confession  of  Faitli  and  the  Constitution  as  amended 
according  to  the  action  of  the  General  Conference  of  188,5,  and 
approved  and  confirmed  by  the  General  Conference  of  1889.  The 
Confession  of  Faith  appeared  in  its  first  printed  form  in  1815. 
The  Constitution,  in  its  earlier  form,  was  adopted  in  1841. 


CHAPTER  II. 
CONFESSION   OF    FAITH. 

In  the  name  of  God,  we  declare  and  confess  before  all 
men  the  following  articles  of  our  belief: 

ARTICLE  I. 

Of  Ood  and  the  Holy  Trinity. 
We  believe  in  the  only  true  God,  the  Father,  the  Son, 
and  the  Holy  Ghost ;  that  these  three  are  one  —  the  Father 
in  the  Son,  the  Son  in  the  Father,  and  the  Holy  Ghost 
equal  in  essence  or  being  with  the  Father  and  the  Son. 

ARTICLE   II. 

Of  Creation  and  Providence. 
We  believe  that  this  triune  God  created  the  heavens 
and  the  earth,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  visible  and  invisible ; 
that  he  sustains,  protects,  and  governs  these,  with  gracious 
regard  for  the  welfare  of  man,  to  the  glory  of  his  name. 

ARTICLE  III. 

Of  Jesus  Christ. 
We  believe  in  Jesus  Christ;  that  he  is  very  God  and 
man  ;  that  he  became  incarnate  by  the  power  of  the 
Holy  Ghost  and  was  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary  ;  that  he 
is  the  Saviour  and  Mediator  of  the  whole  human  race,  if 
they  with  full  faith  accept  the  grace  proffered  in  Jesus ; 
that  this  Jesus  suffered  and  died  on  the  cross  for  us,  was 
buried,  rose  again  on  the  third  day,  ascended  into  heaven, 
and  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God,  to  intercede  for  us  ; 
and  that  he  will  come  again  at  the  last  day  to  judge  the 
living  and  the  dead. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

Of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
We  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost ;  that  he  is  equal  in  be- 
ing with  the  Father  and  the  Son ;  that  he  convinces  the 

12 


CONFESSION   OF  FAITH  13 

world  of  sin,  of  righteousness,  and  of  judgment;  that  he 
comforts  the  faithful  and  guides  them  into  all  truth. 

ARTICLE  V. 

Of  the  Holy  Scriptures. 
We  believe  that  the  Holy  Bible,  Old  and  New  Testa- 
ments, is  the  word  of  God;  that  it  reveals  the  only  true 
way  to  our  salvation  ;  that  every  true  Christian  is  bound 
to  acknowledge  and  receive  it  by  the  help  of  the  Spirit  of 
God  as  the  only  rule  and  guide  in  faith  and  practice. 

ARTICLE  VI. 

Of  the  Church. 
We  believe  in  a  holy  Christian  church,  composed  of 
true  believers,  in  which  the  word  of  God  is  preached  by 
men  divinely  called,  and  the  ordinances  are  duly  admin- 
istered ;  that  this  divine  institution  is  for  the  main- 
tenance of  v/orship,  for  the  edification  of  believers,  and 
the  conversion  of  the  world  to  Christ. 

ARTICLE  VII. 

Of  the  Sacraments. 
We  believe  that  the  sacraments,  Baptism  and  the  Lord's 
Supper,  are  to  be  used  in  the  Church,  and  should  be  prac- 
ticed by  all  Christians ;  but  the  mode  of  baptism  and  the 
manner  of  observing  the  Lord's  Supper  are  always  to  be 
left  to  the  judgment  and  understanding  of  each  individ- 
ual. Also,  the  baptism  of  children  shall  be  left  to  the 
judgment  of  believing  parents. 


The  example  of  the  washing  of  feet  is  to  be  left  to  the 
judgment  of  each  one,  to  practice  or  not. 

ARTICLE  VIII. 

Of  Depravity. 
We  believe  that  man  is  fallen  from  original  righteous- 
ness, and  apart  from  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
is  not  only  entirely  destitute  of  holiness,  but  is  inclined 
to  evil,  and  only  evil,  and  that  continually ;  and  that  ex- 
cept a  man  be  born  again  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of 
heaven. 


14  DISCIPLINE 

ARTICLE  IX. 

Of  Justification. 

We  believe  that  penitent  sinners  are  justified  before 
God,  only  by  faith  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  not  by 
works;  yet  that  good  works  in  Christ  are  acceptable  to 
God,  and  spring  out  of  a  true  and  living  faith. 

ARTICLE  X. 

Of  Regeneration  and  Adoption. 

We  believe  that  regeneration  is  the  renewal  of  the 
heart  of  man  after  the  image  of  God,  through  the  word, 
by  the  act  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  by  which  the  believer 
receives  the  spirit  of  adoption  and  is  enabled  to  serve  God 
with  the  will  and  the  affections. 

ARTICLE  XI. 

Of  Sanctification. 
We  believe  that  sanctification  is  the  work  of  God's 
grace,  through  the  word  and  the  Spirit,  by  which  those 
who  have  been  born  again  are  separated  in  their  acts, 
words,  and  thoughts  from  sin,  and  are  enabled  to  live 
unto  God,  and  to  follow  holiness,  without  which  no  man 
shall  see  the  Lord. 

ARTICLE  XII. 

Of  the  Christian  Sabbath. 
We  believe  that  the  Christian  Sabbath  is  divinely 
appointed ;  that  it  is  commemorative  of  our  Lord's  resur- 
rection from  the  grave,  and  is  an  emblem  of  our  eternal 
rest ;  that  it  is  essential  to  the  welfare  of  the  civil  com- 
munity, and  to  the  permanence  and  growth  of  the  Chris- 
tian church,  and  that  it  should  be  reverently  observed  as 
a  day  of  holy  rest  and  of  social  and  public  worship. 

ARTICLE  XIII. 

Of  the  Future  State. 
We  believe  in  the  resurrection  of  the  dead ;  the  future 
general  judgment ;  and  an  eternal  state  of  rewards,  in 
which  the  righteous  dwell  in  endless  life,  and  the  wicked 
in  endless  punishment. 


CHAPTER  III. 

CONSTITUTION. 

In  the  name  of  God,  we,  the  members  of  the  Church 
OF  THE  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  for  the  work  of 
the  ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ,  for 
the  more  speedy  and  effectual  spread  of  the  gospel,  and 
in  order  to  produce  and  secure  uniformity  in  faith  and 
practice,  to  define  the  powers  and  business  of  the  General 
Conference  as  recognized  by  this  Church,  and  to  preserve 
inviolate  the  popular  will  of  the  membership  of  the 
Church,  do  ordain  this  Constitution: 

ARTICLE   I. 

Section  1.  All  ecclesiastical  power  herein  granted,  to 
enact  or  repeal  any  rule  or  rules  of  discipline,  is  vested  in 
a  General  Conference,  which  shall  consist  of  elders  and 
laymen  elected  in  each  annual-conference  district  through- 
out the  Church.  The  number  and  ratio  of  elders  and 
laymen,  and  the  mode  of  their  election,  shall  be  deter- 
mined by  the  General  Conference. 

Provided^  however^  That  such  elders  shall  have  stood  as 
elders  in  the  conferences  which  they  are  to  represent  for 
no  less  time  than  three  years  next  preceding  the  meeting 
of  the  General  Conference  to  which  they  are  elected ;  and 
that  such  laymen  shall  be  not  less  than  twenty-five  years 
of  age,  and  shall  have  been  members  of  the  Church  six 
years,  and  members  in  the  conference  districts  which 
they  are  to  represent  at  least  three  years  next  preceding 
the  meeting  of  the  General  Conference  to  which  they 
are  elected. 

Sec.  2.  The  General  Conference  shall  convene  every 
four  years,  and  a  majority  of  the  whole  number  of  dele- 
gates elected  shall  constitute  a  quorum. 

Sec.  3.  The  ministerial  and  lay  delegates  shall  delib- 
erate and  vote  together  as  one  body;  but  the  General 

15 


16  DISCIPLINE 

Conference  shall  have  power  to  provide  for  a  vote  by 
separate  orders  whenever  it  deems  it  best  to  do  so ;  and  in 
such  cases  the  concurrent  vote  of  both  orders  shall  be 
necessary  to  complete  an  action. 

Sec.  4.  The  General  Conference  shall,  at  each  session, 
elect  bishops  from  among  the  elders  throughout  the 
Church  who  have  stood  six  years  in  that  capacity. 

Sec.  5.  The  bishops  shall  be  members  ex  officio  and 
presiding  officers  of  the  General  Conference ;  but  in  case 
no  bishop  be  present,  the  Conference  shall  choose  a  presi- 
dent pro  tempore. 

Sec.  6.  The  General  Conference  shall  determine  the 
number  and  boundaries  of  the  annual  conferences. 

Sec.  7.  The  General  Conference  shaU  have  power  to 
review  the  records  of  the  annual  conferences  and  see  that 
the  business  of  each  annual  conference  is  done  strictly  in 
accordance  with  the  Discipline,  and  approve  or  annul,  as 
the  case  may  require. 

Sec.  8.  The  General  Conference  shall  have  full  control 
of  the  United  Brethren  Printing  Establishment,  the 
Home,  Frontier,  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society,  the 
Church-Erection  Society,  the  General  Sabbath-School 
Board,  the  Board  of  Education,  and  Union  Biblical  Semi- 
nary. It  shall  also  have  power  to  establish  and  manage 
any  other  organization  or  institution  within  the  Church 
which  it  may  deem  helpful  in  the  work  of  evangelization. 

Sec.  9.  The  General  Conference  shall  have  power  to 
establish  a  court  of  appeals. 

Sec.  10.  The  General  Conference  may  —  two-thirds  of 
the  members  elected  thereto  concurring— propose  changes 
in,  or  additions  to,  the  Confession  of  Faith  ;  provided, 
that  the  concurrence  of  three-fourths  of  the  annual  con- 
ferences shall  be  necessary  to  their  final  ratification. 

ARTICLE  II. 

The  General  Conference  shall  have  jwwer,  as  provided 
in  Article  T.,  Section  1,  of  this  Constitution,  to  make 
rules  and  regulations  for  the  Church  ;  nevertheless,  it 
shall  be  subject  to  the  following  limitations  and  restric- 
tions : 


CONSTITUTION  17 

Section  1.  The  General  Conference  shall  enact  no  rule 
or  ordinance  which  will  change  or  destroy  the  Confession 
of  Faith,  and  shall  establish  no  standard  of  doctrine  con- 
trary to  the  Confession  of  Faith. 

Sec.  2.  The  General  Conference  shall  enact  no  rule 
which  will  destroy  the  itinerant  plan. 

Sec.  3.  The  General  Conference  shall  enact  no  rule 
which  will  deprive  local  preachers  of  their  votes  in  the 
annual  conferences  to  which  they  severally  belong. 

Sec.  4.  The  General  Conference  shall  enact  no  rule 
which  will  abolish  the  right  of  appeal. 

AKTICLE  III. 

Section  1.  We  declare  that  all  secret  combinations 
which  infringe  upon  the  rights  of  those  outside  their 
organization,  and  whose  principles  and  practices  are  in- 
jurious to  the  Christian  character  of  their .  members,  are 
contrary  to  the  word  of  God,  and  that  Christians  ought 
to  have  no  connection  with  them. 

The  General  Conference  shall  have  power  to  enact  such 
rules  of  discipline  with  respect  to  such  combinations 
as  in  its  judgment  it  may  deem  proper. 

Sec.  2.  We  declare  that  human  slavery  is  a  violation 
of  human  rights,  and  contrary  to  the  word  of  God.  It 
shall  therefore  in  no  wise  be  tolerated  among  us. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

The  right,  title,  interest,  and  claim  of  all  property,  both 
real  and  personal,  of  whatever  name  or  description,  ob- 
tained by  purchase  or  otherwise,  by  any  person  or  persons, 
for  the  use,  benefit,  and  behoof  of  the  Church  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ,  are  hereby  fully  recognized, 
and  held  to  vest  in  the  Church  aforesaid. 

ARTICLE  V. 

Section  1.  Amendments  to  this  Constitution  may  be 
proposed  by  any  General  Conference, — two-thirds  of  the 
members  elected  thereto  concurring, — which  amendments 
shall  be  submitted  to  a  vote  of  the  membership  through- 
out the  Church,  under  regulations  authorized  by  said  con- 
ference. 


18  DISCIPLINE 

A  majority  of  all  the  votes  cast  upon  any  submitted 
amendment  shall  be  necessary  to  its  final  ratification. 

Sec.  2.  The  foregoing  amended  Constitution  shall  be 
in  force  from  and  after  the  first  Monday  after  the  second 
Thursday  of  May,  1889,  upon  official  proclamation  thereof 
by  the  Board  of  Bishops  ;  provided^  that  the  General  Con- 
ference elected  for  1889  shall  be  the  lawful  legislative  body 
under  the  amended  Constitution,  with  full  power,  until 
its  final  adjournment,  to  enact  such  rules  as  this  amended 
Constitution  authorizes. 


PART  II. 

Membership,  Ministry,  and  Government, 
chapter  iv. 

MEMBERS. 
Section  I. 

RECEPTION   OF   MEMBERS. 

1.  When  at  any  meeting  there  are  persons  who  desire 
to  unite  with  the  Church,  the  officiating  minister  shall 
call  the  applicants  forward  and  address  them  as  follows  : 

Dear  Friends  :  We  greet  you  as  you  come  seeking 
admission  into  the  church  which  our  Saviour  purchased 
with  his  own  blood,  and  rejoice  with  you  that  through 
the  grace  of  God  you  have  been  brought  to  a  knowledge 
of  the  truth,  and  have  been  made  partakers  of  his  great 
salvation.  The  privileges  you  seek  are  above  price,  and 
the  duties  enjoined  are  solemn.  It  is  proper  that  you 
publicly  confess  your  faith  and  avow  your  purpose  by 
answering  the  following  questions  : 

Questions  to  Applicants. 

2.  ( 1 )  Do  you  believe  the  Bible  to  be  the  word  of 
God,  and  that  therein  only  is  contained  the  knowledge 
of  the  way  of  salvation  ? 

( 2 )  Have  you  experienced  the  pardon  of  your  sins, 
and  have  you  now  peace  with  God  ? 

( 3 )  Ai-e  you  determined  by  the  grace  of  God  to  follow 
Christ,  renouncing  the  world  and  all  ungodliness,  seeking 
to  lead  a  life  of  holiness  and  devotion  to  God  and  his 
cause  ? 

(4)  Are  you  willing  to  be  governed  by  our  Church 
Discipline,  and  will  you  contribute  to  the  support  of  the 
gospel  as  God  prospers  you  ? 


20  DISCIPLINE 

( 5 )     Have  you  been  baptized  ? 

[  If  the  auswer  to  this  question  be  in  the  negative,  then 
the  applicant  shall  be  instructed  to  attend  to  the  duty  as 
soon  as  practicable.  ] 

Acceptaiice  of  Applicants. 

3.  If  the  persons  answer  the  above  questions  in  the 
affirmative,  and  no  lawful  objections  be  made  by  any 
member,  then  the  f)reacher  shall  give  his  right  hand  to 
such  persons  as  members  of  our  Church,  and  record  their 
names  on  the  church  book ;  provided,  however,  that  where 
a  local  church  deems  it  advisable  for  its  protection  against 
imposition,  a  committee  may  be  appointed,  who,  together 
with  the  pastor,  may  make  inquiry  as  to  the  advisability 
of  admitting  such  applicants  to  membership  in  the 
Church  according  to  the  foregoing  requirements. 

deceiving  Persons  from  Other  Churches. 

4.  When  persons  come  to  us  with  certificates  of  good 
standing  in  other  recognized  evangelical  churches,  they 
shall  answer  the  fourth  question  affirmatively,  and  the 
hand  of  fellowship  may  be  given  them  as  in  other  cases. 

Seekers 

5.  Any  persons  giving  evidence  that  they  are  sincerely 
seeking  the  Lord,  may  be  received  under  the  watch-care 
of  the  Church  by  having  their  names  placed  upon  the 
church  book,  but  shall  not  be  reported  as  members,  nor 
shall  tliey  liave  a  vote  in  the  Church  until  they  shall  have 
conformed  to  the  conditions  in  this  section  relating  to  the 
reception  of  members. 

6.  If  any  person  thus  received  under  the  watch-care  of 
the  Church  shall  cease  to  manifest  a  desire  to  seek  the 
Lord,  the  preacher  in  charge,  by  the  consent  of  the  local 
church  or  the  official  board,  may,  at  any  time,  after  per- 
sonal but  unsuccessful  labor  for  his  salvation,  drop  the 
name  of  such  seeker. 

Preacher^  s  Pesp07isibility. 

7.  Any  preacher  refusing  or  neglecting  to  ask  the  fore-  ^ 
^oing  questions,  except  in  the  case  of  children,  or  who   « 


MEMBERS  21 

shall  receive  members  into  the  Church  iu  violation  of  this 
order,  shall  be  answerable  for  the  same  to  the  conference 
of  which  he  is  a  member. 

Section  II. 

DUTIES  OF   members. 

Confession. 

1.  All  members  of  this  Church  shall  acknowledge 
and  confess  that  they  believe  the  Bible  to  be  the  word  of 
God;  that  they  will  henceforth  strive,  with  all  their 
hearts,  to  seek  their  eternal  welfare  in  Christ  Jesus,  and 
work  out  their  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling,  to  the 
end  that  they  may  be  able  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come. 

Means  of  Grace. 

2.  Every  member  shall  endeavor  to  lead  a  godly  life;i 

(observe  the  ordinances  of  God's  house,  namely,  baptism! 
and  the  remembrance  of  the  sufferings  and  death  of  our] 
Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  be  diligent  in  prayer,  particularly  iu  i 
private,  and  for  his  own  edification  attend,  when  practi-j 
cable,  all  our  prayer-  and  class-meetings,  and  meetings  forJ 
public  worship. 

Family  Piety. 

3.  Heads  of  families  should  never  omit  to  pray  with 
their  families,  morning  and  evening,  and  to  set  them  a 
good  example  in  all  the  Christian  virtues. 

Singing. 

4.  It  is  the  duty  of  all  the  people  of  God  to  sing  his 
praises,  and  to  sing  them  in  the  great  congregation  as 
well  as  in  the  private  circle.  It  is  therefore  earnestly  ad- 
vised that  all  our  people  cultivate  vocal  music,  so  that  the 
singing  in  our  congregations  may  be  improved.  As  a 
help  to  this  end,  let  all  our  people  provide  themselves 
with  hymn-books  for  use  in  public  and  social  worship. 


L 


Love  to  Others. 

5.    Every  one  should  strive  to  walk  as  in  the  presence 
of  God,  and  accustom  himself  to  a  close  communion  with 


^ 


22  DISCIPLINE 


/God  iu  all  his  employments.    He  should  never  speak  evil  I 
/  of  his  fellow  men,  but  practice  love  toward  friend  and  I 
I     foe,  do  good  to  the  poor,  and  endeavor  to  be  a  follower  of/ 
\    Jesus  Christ  indeed.  f 

Sabbath  Observance. 

6.  Every  one  shall  keep  the  Sabbath  day  holy,  as  re- 
quired in  the  word  of  God  ;  neither  buy  nor  sell,  but 
spend  the  same  in  exercises  of  devotion,  in  reading  and 
hearing  the  word  of  God,  and  in  singing  spiritual  hymns 
to  the  honor  and  glory  of  God. 

Obedience  to  Oomrnment. 

7.  It  is  the  duty  of  every  member  to  lead  a  quiet, 
peaceable,  and  godly  life  among  men;  as  it  becomes  a 
Christian  to  live  in  peace,  and  be  subject  to  the  higher  or 
ruling  powers,  as  the  word  of  God  requires^. 

Sabbath  Schools. 

8.  It  is  the  duty  of  our  members  to  encourage  our 
8abbath  schools  by  their  presence  when  practicable,  and 
always  to  give  them  their  aid  and  influence. 

Young  Peoj^le^s  Society. 

9.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  young  members  of  the  Church, 
when  possible,  to  join  the  young  people's  society,  and  by 
faithfulness  to  its  requirements  seek  to  develop  Christian 
character  and  efficiency  in  Christian  work. 

Support  of  the  Gospel. 

10.  It  is  the  duty  of  all  members  of  the  Church  to 
pay  toward  the  support  of  the  itinerant  ministry,  quar- 
terly, or  oftener,  in  proportion  to  their  ability,  as  God  has 
prospered  them;  for  the  Lord  hath  ordained  that  they 
who  preach  the  gospel  shall  live  of  the  gospel  ( I.  Cor.  9  : 
14  ;  I.  Tim.  5:  18 ).  It  is  earnestly  urged  that  all  our  peo- 
ple practice  the  Bible  method  of  weekly  contributions. 
'*  Upon  the  first  day  of  the  week  let  every  one  of  you  lay 
by  him  in  store  as  God  hath  prospered  him"  (I.  Cor. 
16:2).  ; 


MEMBERS  23 


Delinquent  Members. 

>  11.  Any  member  refusing  to  pay  toward  the  support  of 
the  Church,  if  able  to  do  so,  shall  be  reported  by  the 
steward  to  the  class,  and  if  refusal  is  persisted  in,  shall  be 
suspended  or  expelled,  as  the  class  may  determine. 


'/ 


Support  of  General  Interests. 

12.  It  is  also  the  duty  of  all  our  members  to  contribute 
according  to  their  ability,  to  the  support  of  the  various 
benevolent  interests  of  the  Church. 


■'\ 


Receiving  Ministers. 

13.  It  is  the  duty  of  all  districts,  stations,  circuits,  and 
missions  to  cheerfully  receive  the  preachers  appointed  by 
the  stationing  committees  of  the  respective  annual  con- 
ferences. 

Care  of  the  Poor. 

14.  Each  member  of  our  Church  should  willingly  and 
freely  contribute  quarterly,  or  oftener  if  need  be,  as  God 
has  prospered  him  (I.  Cor.  16 :  2),  to  the  support  of  the 
helpless  poor. 

15.  When  it  is  known  by  any  of  our  class-leaders  that 
there  are  poor  members  of  the  class,  who  by  sickness,  ac- 
cident, or  other  unavoidable  circumstances,  have  been 
brought  to  want,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  leader  in 
charge  to  wait  upon  the  class,  or  to  appoint  some  one  to 
do  so,  to  ask  such  aid,  money,  clothing,  or  produce,  as  the 
circumstances  may  require.  Should  any  one  class  be  un- 
able to  relieve  its  poor,  this  shall  then  be  made  known  to 
the  pastor,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  inform  the  different 
classes  on  his  charge ;  and  if  it  should  so  happen  that  any 
one  charge  should  be  unable  to  meet  the  wants  of  the 
poor,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  presiding  elder  to  present 
the  matter  to  the  quarterly  conferences  of  the  different 
charges,  so  that  the  unavoidably  poor  of  our  Church  may 
be  provided  for.     ( I.  John  3 :  17 ;  Ps.  12 : 1,  2.) 

Nonconfcyrmity  to  the  World. 

16.  Inasmuch  as  the  Lord  has  commanded  us  not  to 
be  conformed  to  this  world  ( Rom.  12  :  2 ),  to  lay  apart  all 


24  DISCIPLINE 

filthiness  and  superfluity  of  naughtiness  (Jas.  1:21), 
and  as  the  principles  of  the  Christian  religion,  as  taught 
by  both  the  precepts  and  example  of  the  meek  and  ador- 
able Saviour,  are  in  strict  and  perfect  accordance  with 
these  commandments,  we  therefore  humbly  beseech  and 
admonish  the  members  of  our  Church  to  observe  these 
divine  precepts.  "In  like  manner  also,  that  women 
adorn  themselves  in  modest  apparel,  with  shame-faced- 
uess  and  sobriety;  not  with  broidered  hair,  or  gold,  or 
pearls,  or  costly  array;  but  (which  becometh  women 
professing  godliness)  with  good  works"  (I.  Tim.  2:9, 
10);  and  "whose  adorning  let  it  not  be  that  outward 
adorning  of  plaiting  the  hair,  and  of  wearing  of  gold,  or 
of  putting  on  of  apparel ;  but  let  it  be  the  hidden  man  of 
the  heart,  in  that  which  is  not  corruptible,  even  the  orna- 
ment of  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit,  which  is  in  the  sight  of 
God  of  great  price  "  ( I.  Pet.  3  :  3,  4). 

Necessity  of  Union  Among  Ourselves. 

17.  Let  us  be  deeply  sensible  of  the  evil  of  a  division 
in  principle,  spirit,  or  practice,  and  of  its  dreadful  conse- 
quences to  ourselves  and  others.  If  we  are  united,  what 
can  stand  before  us?  If  we  are  divided,  we  shall  injure 
ourselves,  the  work  of  God,  and  the  souls  of  men.  To 
this  end : 

( 1 )  Let  us  be  deeply  convinced  of  the  absolute  neces- 
sity of  union. 

( 2 )  Let  us  pray  earnestly  for  one  another,  and  speak 
truly  and  freely  to  one  another. 

( 3 )  When  we  meet,  let  us  never  part  without  prayer, 
if  prayer  is  at  all  practicable. 

(4 )  Let  us  take  great  care  not  to  despise  one  another's 


( 5 )  Let  us  never  speak  lightly  of  one  another. 

(6)  Let  us  defend  one  another's  character  in  every- 
thing, as  far  as  is  consistent  with  truth. 

( 7 )  Let  us  labor  in  honor,  each  preferring  another  be- 
fore himself. 

(8)  Let  us  seriously  examine  the  causes,  evils,  and 
cures  of  heart  and  church  divisions. 


MEMBERS  25 

Duty  of  Obedience. 
18.  The  foregoing  rules  are  drawn  up  for  the  better 
regulation  of  our  Church ;  and  we  believe  they  are  founded 
upon  the  word  of  God,  and  that  their  observance  is  in- 
cumbent upon  all  members.  Should  any  violate  or  ha- 
bitually neglect  these  rules,  they  shall  be,  hy  their  respec- 
tive class-leaders,  admonished  to  reformation;  and  should 
they  not  reform,  they  shall  be  suspended  or  expelled,  as 
the  case  may  require,  by  vote  of  the  local  church  or  of- 
ficial board. 

Section  III. 

TRIAL  OF    MEMBERS. 

Personal  Trespass. 

1.  When  members  trespass  against  one  another,  let  the 
following  directions  be  followed  : 

"If  thy  brother  shall  trespass  against  thee,  go  and  tell 
him  his  fault  between  thee  and  him  alone :  if  he  shall 
hear  thee,  thou  hast  gained  thy  brother.  But  if  he  will 
not  hear  thee,  then  take  with  thee  one  or  two  more  .  .  . 
And  if  he  shall  neglect  to  hear  them,  tell  it  unto  the 
church:  but  if  he  neglect  to  hear  the  church,  let  him  be 
unto  thee  as  an  heathen  man  and  a  publican"  (Matt. 
18:  15-17);  that  is,  he  shall  be  expelled  by  the  local 
church  or  official  board. 

Immoral  Conduct. 

2.  In  case  of  a  member  accused  of  immoral  conduct, 
the  class  or  official  board  shall  appoint  one  or  more  to 
visit  the  accused  person,  and,  if  possible,  reclaim  him; 
but  if  unsuccessful,  and  the  guilt  be  denied,  he  shall  be 
tried  by  the  class  to  which  he  belongs,  or  a  committee 
thereof,  chosen  by  the  parties  concerned,  with  the 
preacher  in  charge  of  the  circuit  or  station  as  chairman  ; 
and  if  found  guilty,  the  accused  shall  be  expelled,  by  a 
vote  of  the  local  church  or  official  board,  unless  satisfac- 
tion be  given.  If  the  accused  refuse  to  choose  his  com- 
mitteeman when  properly  notified,  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence shall  choose  a  second  person,  and  these  two  a  third, 
which  committee  shall  try  the  case  and  decide.  Yet 
cases  may  occur  where  it  would  be  expedient  to  choose  a 


26  DISCIPLINE 

committee  from  some  other  class  or  classes  than  the  one 
to  which  the  parties  belong,  in  which  case  it  shall  be  law- 
ful to  do  so.  Also,  an  elder  may  be  chosen  as  chairman, 
should  the  preacher  in  charge  deem  this  to  be  best. 
Should  any  member  be  dissatisfied  with  the  decision,  an 
appeal  may  be  had  to  the  quarterly  conference,  by  giving 
notice  thereof  to  the  preacher  in  charge,  or  secretary  of 
the  trial.  (See  Chapter  X.,  Section  I.,  page  72.)  In 
such  case,  however,  the  same  person  shall  not  sit  in 
judgment  on  the  same  case. 

Disobedience  to  the  Order  of  the  Church. 

3.  In  cases  of  neglect  of  duty  of  any  kind,  imprudent 
conduct,  indulging  sinful  tempers  or  words,  or  disobedi 
ence  to  the  order  and  discipline  of  the  Church :  First 
let  private  reproof  be  given  by  the  preacher  or  leader ;  and 
if  there  be  an  acknowledgment  of  the  fault,  proper  hu- 
miliation, and  a  promise  to  reform,  the  person  may  be 
borne  with.  On  a  second  offense,  the  preacher  or  leader 
shall  take  with  him  one  or  two  faithful  members.  On  a 
third  offense,  let  the  case  be  brought  before  the  local 
church,  or  class,  or  a  select  committee ;  and  if  there  be  no 
satisfactory  humiliation,  the  offender  shall  be  expelled  by 
vote  of  the  local  church  or  official  board.  In  case  the  ac- 
cused shall  deny  his  guilt  and  demand  a  trial,  and  there 
be  a  reasonable  doubt  or  question  about  his  guilt,  he  shall 

f  be  tried  by  a  committee,  and  if  found  guilty,  he  shall  be 
expelled.  In  case  of  trial  under  this  clause,  the  leader 
shall  act  in  behalf  of  the  local  church ;  or  if  the  leader  be 
the  offender,  the  steward  shall  act  as  prosecutor. 

Disputes. 

4.  In  case  of  a  dispute  between  members  or  preachers, 
the  preacher  to  whom  it  shall  be  known  shall  inquire  in- 
to the  circumstances  of  the  case,  and,  if  necessary,  shall 
recommend  to  the  contending  parties  a  reference  to  a 
committee  consisting  of  one  arbiter  chosen  by  the  plain- 
tiff, and  another  by  the  defendant,  and  a  third  by  these 
two ;  then  these  three  are  to  decide.  But  if  the  preacher 
to  whom  the  dispute  is  known  shall  refuse  or  neglect  to 
act,  then  the  quarterly  conference  shall  appoint  some  one 


:\ 


MEMBERS  27 

to  carry  out  the  rule ;  aud  if  either  or  both  disputants  re- 
fuse to  choose  an  arbiter,  the  quarterly  conference  shall 
appoint  the  first  and  second,  and  these  two  a  third,  who 
shall  hear  the  case  and  decide. 

Bight  of  Appeal. 

5.  Should  either  party  be  dissatisfied  with  the  decision, 
an  appeal  may  be  taken  to  the  next  quarterly  conference 
for  a  second  arbitration,  where  each  party  shall  choose 
two  arbiters,  and  the  four  shall  choose  a  fifth,  a  decision 
of  a  majority  of  whom  shall  be  final.  Any  member  re- 
fusing to  abide  by  this  decision  shall  be  expelled  without 
further  trial. 

Going  to  Law  Forbidden. 

6.  Any  member  refusing,  in  case  of  debt  or  dispute,  to 
refer  the  matter  to  arbitration  when  recommended  to  him 
by  a  preacher  or  leader,  or  who  shall  enter  into  a  lawsuit 
with  another  member  before  these  measures  are  taken, 
shall  be  dealt  with  as  in  case  of  other  immoralities,  ex- 
cept when  the  case  is  of  such  a  nature  as  to  require  and 
justify  a  process  at  law,  as  in  acting  as  administrators,  or 
when  a  member  is  in  danger,  by  delay,  of  suflTering  a  loss 
of  property. 

Record  of  Trials. 

7.  A  faithful  record  of  the  proceedings  of  any  church 
trial  conducted  in  a  class  shall  be  kept  by  the  class-leader 
in  a  book  provided  for  that  purpose;  and  it  shall  be  his 
duty,  in  case  of  an  appeal,  to  furnish  his  record  to  the 
quarterly  conference. 

Order  in  Trials. 

8.  All  church  trials  shall  be  conducted  in  a  consistent 
Christian  manner,  without  the  employment  of  magis- 
trates and  attorneys  to  administer  oaths  and  conduct  in- 
vestigations. 

Section  IV. 

TRANSFER  AND   DISMISSAL  OF  MEMBERS. 

Transfers. 
1.     When  a  member  of  our  Church  moves  from  one 
field  to  another^  he  shall  obtain  a  certificate  of  transfer  by  a 


28  DISCIPLINE 

nrifljf)rit,y  vofp  of  the  class  or  official  board  of  the  church 
to  which  he  belongs,  signed  by  a  preacher  or  leader,  ex- 
cept where  he  is  not  in  reach  of  a  class;  in  which  case 
any  of  our  preachers  may  give  a  certificate  to  such  person 
if  he  is  known  to  be  in  good  standing;  and  the  pastor 
shall  notify  the  preacher  in  charge  nearest  the  point  to 
which  the  member  moves.  And  ^n  case  a  member  moves 
from  a  charge  and  fails  to  report  to  the  class  of  which  he 
is  a  member  annually,  he  ma^y  be  marked  removed. 

Amenability  of  Certified  Members. 

2.  Any  person  receiving  a  certificate  of  membership  is 
amenable  to  the  class  from  which  he  receives  it,  until  he 
deposits  his  certificate  with  some  other  local  church. 

Limit  of  Certificate. 

3.  A  member  who  receives  a  certificate  is  required  to 
present  it  to  some  local  church,  or  return  it  to  the  class  bj' 
which  it  was  issued,  within  eighteen  months,  provided 
that  the  holder  of  the  certificate  is  within  reach  of  a  local 
church ;  otherwise  it  shall  become  null  and  void. 

Dismissal. 

4.  If  any  of  our  members  desire  to  leave  the  Church, 
and  their  Christian  life  has  been  good,  and  they  have 
settled  all  of  their  subscriptions  and  assessments,  they 
shall  be  entitled  to  an  honorable  dismissal  from  the 
Church  by  a  vote  of  the  localihiirclJ!  signed  by  the  pastor. 

Membe'mMp  of  Preachers. 

5.  An  annual-conference  member  may  be  received  into 
a  class  on  his  ministerial  credentials,  provided  said  cre- 
dentials are  held  in  force  by  the  conference  to  which  he 
is  amenable. 

Membership  of  Preachers  Required. 

6.  All  quarterly-  and  annual-conference  preachers  are 
required  to  hold  membership  in  some  local  church,  and 
upon  neglect  or  refusal  to  do  so  shall  lose  their  official 
relation. 


CHAPTER  V. 

GOVERNMENT   OF  THE   CHURCH. 

Section  I. 

CLASSES. 

Local  Church  Organization. 

1.  A  LOCAL  church  or  congregation  of  the  United  Breth- 
ren in  Christ  may  be  organized,  where  not  already  estab- 
lished, by  any  regularly  authorized  minister  of  the  denom- 
ination, who  shall  enroll  the  names  of  not  less  than  five 
resident  persons  in  a  book  of  record,  publicly  give  to  each 
one  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  cause  them  to  select  one 
of  their  number  as  class-leader,  and  appoint  a  steward  oi 
stewards.^ 

Division  into  Classes. 

2.  A  local  church  may  be  divided  into  two  or  more 
classes,  where  it  is  deemed  proper  to  do  so,  by  the  pastor 
and  at  least  three  other  members  of  the  church  who  shall 
be  chosen  by  the  official  board.  In  all  cases,  each  class 
shall  elect  its  own  leader,  near  the  close  of  each  official 
year.  After  such  division  the  word  "class"  shall  denote 
only  a  section  of  the  local  church  or  congregation. 

Disbanding  Classes. 

3.  When  a  quarterly  conference  deems  it  impracticable 
to  maintain  the  organization  of  a  church  in  any  j^lace, 
whatever  members  remain  shall  be  considered  members 
of  the  Church  at  large,  and  it  shall  be  their  duty  to  join 
some  other  class  within  one  year,  and  failing  to  do  so 
they  may  be  dropped  from  the  roll  by  the  pastor,  by  con- 
sent of  the  quarterly  conference,  and  so  reported  to  the 
annual  conference. 

» Note.— Until  the  congregation  thus  constituted  becomes  so 
large  as  to  require  dividing  into  classes  or  sections,  for  purposes  of 
convenience  and  efficiency,  the  words  "church,"  "congregation," 
and  "class"  shall  denote  the  same  aggregate  church  membership. 

29 


30  discipline 

Section  II. 

CLASS-LEADERS. 

Qualifications. 

1.  It  shall  be  the  leader's  duty  to  live  a  pious  life  and 
set  a  godly  example  before  his  class;  carefully  to  study 
the  Holy  Scriptures,  fully  qualifying  himself  for  the  faith- 
ful performance  of  his  duties  as  a  leader  and  counselor  of 
his  class. 

Holding  Meetings, 

2.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  meet  his  class,  in  class-  or 
prayer-meeting,  as  often  as  practicable,  to  speak  to  them 
concerning  their  spiritual  welfare,  and  exhort  them  to 
unity  and  love.  He  shall  extend  the  freedom  of  our 
prayer-  and  class-meetings  to  all  sincere  and  well-dis- 
posed persons  who  may  desire  to  attend  them. 

Visiting  the  Sick  and  Delinquent. 

3.  When  any  of  his  members  are  sick,  or  delinquent 
in  the  performance  of  their  duties,  he  shall  visit  them  and 
labor  with  them  as  circumstances  may  require. 

Class  Record. 

4.  He  shall  keep  a  record  of  the  members  of  the  class, 
and  of  all  deaths,  expulsions,  and  removals,  in  a  book 
provided  for  that  purpose. 

Dismissal  for  Delinquency. 

5.  Any  class-leader  failing  to  discharge  these  duties 
may,  on  complaint,  be  removed  by  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence. 

Section  III. 

CLASS-STEWARDS. 

/  1.  Every  church  shall  have  one  or  more  class-stewards 
and  one  or  more  presiding-elder  stewards ;  the  former  to 
be  chosen  as  provided  for  on  page  61  under  "Annual  Re- 
organization," the  latter  to  be  appointed  by  the  pastor 
and  approved  by  the  quarterly  conference^ 


GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  CHURCH  31 

Collections  for  Pastors. 

2.  On  circuits  the  stewards  shall  collect  contributions 
quarterly  or  oftener,  and  ou  stations  monthly  or  oftener, 
for  the  support  of  the  pastor.  Each  steward  shall  keep 
an  accurate  account  of  the  amount  paid  by  each  member 
of  the  class,  in  a  book  provided  for  that  purpose,  and  re- 
port the  same,  with  name  and  amount,  to  each  quarterly 
conference;  provided,  however,  that  where  the  envelope 
system  is  in  use  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  general  steward 
to  receive  the  envelopes,  keep  a  correct  record  of  names 
and  amounts  paid,  and  report  the  same  to  the  official 
board  monthly.  He  shall  furnish  each  steward,  at  the 
end  of  each  month,  a  list  of  the  names  of  those  who  are 
delinquent  in  payment  of  pastor's  salary,  with  statement 
of  the  amount  due  from  each.  The  stewards  shall  then 
endeavor  to  secure  prompt  i)ayment  of  such  deficits. 

Elements  for  the  Lord's  Supper. 

3.  It  shall  also  be  the  duty  of  stewards  to  provide  the 
elements  for  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  always 
securing  unfermented  wine. 

Dismissal  for  Delinquency. 

4.  For  the  faithful  discharge  of  their  duties  as  stew- 
ards, they  shall  be  accountable  to  the  quarterly  conference, 
which  shall  have  power  to  dismiss  them  for  official  delin- 
quency. 

Presiding- Elder  Steward. 

5.  The  presiding-elder  steward  shall,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  pastor,  secure  quarterly,  by  private  solicitation 
or  otherwise,  one-fourth  of  the  yearly  assessment  to  the 
class  for  presiding  elder's  salary,  and  report  the  same  to 
the  pastor  on  or  before  the  time  of  each  quarterly  con- 
ference. 

Section  IV. 

OFFICIAL   BOARDS. 

1.  The  properly  recognized  members  of  the  quarterly 
conference  shall  be  the  members  of  the  official  board. 

2.  The  pastor  shall  be  the  president  of  the  board ;  in 
his  absence  one  of  the  members  shall  be  elected  president 


32  DISCIPLINE 

pro  tern.    The  sessions  shall  begin  and  close  with  devo- 
tional exercises. 

3.  The  board  shall  elect  a  secretary,  who  shall  keep  a 
record  of  its  proceedings. 

a  4.  The  general  steward,  elected  by  the  quarterly  con- 
ference,  may  be  also  the  church  treasurer.  The  treasurer 
shall  receive  all  moneys  that  have  been  collected  from 
class-stewards,  or  otherwise,  and  receipt  therefor,  and 
said  treasurer  shall  pay  out  all  moneys  in  his  hands  as 
the  official  board  may  direct. 

5.  The  official  board  shall  receive  statements  of  all 
subscriptions  and  moneys  received  and  disbursed  for  the 
interest  of  the  station;  and  all  persons  intrusted  with 
moneys  or  subscriptions,  whether  trustees,  stewards,  the 
treasurer,  or  others,  shall  report  the  same  to  the  official 
meeting  as  soou  as  possible. 

6.  It  shall  receive  from  each  class-leader  a  statement 
in  reference  to  the  religious  condition  of  his  class. 

7.  The  official  board  shall  be  the  estimating  committee 
of  the  charge,  unless  otherwise  specifically  ordered  by  the 
quarterly  conference  as  provided  in  Section  V.,  page  34; 
and  said  official  board  shall  meet  the  pa-stor  as  soon  as 
practicable  after  the  annual  conference,  and  make  out  an 
estimate  of  the  expenses  of  the  station  for  the  year,—  the 
preacher's  salary,  the  presiding  elder's  salary,  sexton  hire, 
cost  of  light,  fuel,  insurance,  and  any  other  ordinary  ex- 
penses incident  to  the  year's  general  account.  It  shall 
also  determine  how  these  funds  are  to  be  secured, — 
whether  by  assessment  or  subscription,  and  whether  by 
envelope  collections  made  weekly,  or  by  the  class-stew- 
ards, or  both;  what  per  cent,  is  to  be  devoted  to  the 
preacher's  and  presiding  elder's  salaries,  and  what  per 
cent,  to  the  current  expenses  of  the  charge. 

8.  The  official  board  shall  revise  the  church  records,  as 
provided  in  Section  II.,  paragraph  3,  page  61. 

9.  The  official  board  for  stations  shall  meet  once  a 
month,  and  for  circuits  at  the  call  of  the  pastor. 

Review  by  Quarterly  Conference. 

10.  The  acts  of  the  official  board  shall  be  submitted  to 
the  quarterly  conference  for  examination  and  approval. 


GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  CHURCH  33 

Section  V. 

QUARTERLY  CONFERENCE. 

Members. 

1.  The  members  of  the  quarterly  conference  shall  be 
the  presiding  elder  of  the  district,  the  preacher  in  charge, 
and  all  the  properly  recognized  preachers,  exhorters,  class- 
leaders,  class-stewards,  general  and  jDresiding-elder  stew- 
ardSj  presidents  of  ladies'  aid  societies,  when  properly 
recognized  by  the  church,  official  board,  or  quarterly  con- 
ference, presidents  of  local  woman's  missionary  associa- 
tions, the  church  treasurer,  trustees  of  church  and  par- 
sonage houses,  superintendents  of  Sabbath  schools,  and 
presidents  of  young  i)eople's  societies  organized  in  har- 
mony with  the  provisions  of  Discipline  controlling  the 
organization  of  such  societies,  and  superintendents  of 
junior  societies  when  similarly  organized  ( when  said 
persons  are  members  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren 
in  Christ),  who  reside  within  the  bounds  of  the  circuit  or 

[station  or  hold  membership  therein.  Such  members  as 
are  present  at  any  regular  meeting  shall  constitute  a 
quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business.  The  quarterly 
conference  shall  open  and  close  with  prayer.  The  quar- 
terly conference  shall  be  amenable  to  the  annual  confer- 
ence for  its  official  acts. 

Duties  and  Powers  of  the  Quarterly  Conference. 

2.  In  the  absence  of  the  presiding  elder,  the  quarterly 
conference  shall  elect  a  chairman  pro  tem.^  whose  official 
acts  shall  be  valid. 

3.  It  shall  elect  a  secretary,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
keep  a  correct  record  of  all  its  proceedings  in  a  book  pro- 
vided for  that  purpose,  in  which  the  names  of  all  the 
members  composing  the  said  conference  shall  be  entered. 

4.  It  shall  malve  inquiry  into  the  moral  deportment 
and  official  character  of  all  its  members. 

5.  On  stations,  it  shall  elect,  at  the  last  quarterly  con- 
ference of  the  year,  a  church  treasurer,  wherever  desir- 
able, who  shall  be  a  member  of  the  quarterly  conference. 

6.  It  shall  enforce  discipline  in  all  the  classes  under  its 

3 


34  DISCIPLINE 

jurisdiction,  but  in  no  case  disorganize  a  class  unless  the 
preliminary  steps  have  been  taken  as  required  in  Chapter 
v.,  Section  I.,  paragraph  3,  page  29. 

7.  It  shall  hear  the  reports  of  the  stewards,  and  make 
settlements  with  the  pastor. 

Appeals  and  THals. 

8.  It  shall  receive  and  try  all  appeals,  references,  and 
complaints  that  may  come  regularly  before  it ;  but  no 
member  of  quarterly  conference  can  be  suspended  or 
expelled  from  the  Church  prior  to  a  committee  trial. 

Licensing  Preachers  and  Exhorters. 

9.  It  shall  have  power  to  grant  license  to  preach  or 
exhort,  according  to  the  provisions  of  Chapter  VI., 
"Ministry  of  the  Church." 

Renewing  Licenses. 

10.  It  shall  renew  the  license  of  exhorters  and  quar- 
terly-conference preachers  annually,  if  they  are  found 
worthy,  and  arrange  a  plan  for  the  local  preachers  to 
preach  regularly  at  stated  places,  as  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence may  direct. 

Recommending  to  the  Annual  Conference. 

11.  The  quarterly  conference  may  recommend  to  the 
annual  conference  licentiates  of  one  or  more  years'  stand- 
ing, who  have  completed  the  course  of  reading  required. 

General  Stewards. 

12.  The  quarterly  conference,  at  its  last  session  in  each 
year,  shall  elect  by  ballot  a  steward  for  the  charge,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  assist  the  class-stewards  in  securing  the 
pastor's  salary,  and  receive  and  audit  the  stewards'  re- 
ports. 

Estimating  Committee. 

13.  In  case  of  circuits,  the  quarterly  conference  shall, 
at  its  last  session  for  the  year,  aj^point  a  finance  commit- 
tee, which  committee  shall  meet  at  the  time  and  place 
specified  by  the  preacher  appointed  to  the  charge  for  the 
ensuing  year,  and  make  out  an  estimate  of  the  regular  ex- 


GOVERNMENT  OF   THE   CHURCH  35 

penses,  and  apportion  the  same,  including  the  conference 
assessment  for  presiding  elder's  salary,  among  the  differ- 
ent appointments  according  to  their  respective  ability, 
and  report  the  same  to  the  quarterly  conference  for 
ratification.  This  committee  shall  also  serve  as  an  execu- 
tive committee  for  the  quarterly  conference  during  the 
year  in  all  matters  of  finance. 

Apportionment  to  the  Members. 

14.  As  soon  as  convenient  after  each  class  has  received 
its  apportionment,  on  the  call  of  the  pastor,  the  official 
members  shall  meet  and  make  a  distribution  of  the  appor- 
tionment, except  the  assessment  for  presiding  elder,  to 
the  members  severally,  according  to  their  ability,  to  be 
paid  quarterly,  monthly,  or  oftener;  provided,  however, 
that  it  shall  be  the  privilege  of  any  class  to  collect  the 
amount  apportioned  to  it  by  subscription  or  otherwise. 

Place  of  Meeting. 

15.  The  quarterly  conference  shall  determine  its  places 
of  meeting. 

Appeals. 

16.  Any  preacher  dissatisfied  with  the  decision  of  a 
quarterly  conference  shall,  within  thirty  days  after  the 
quarterly  conference,  notify  the  secretary,  in  writing,  of 
his  intention  to  appeal,  together  with  his  reasons  for  so 
doing ;  and  it  shall  be  the  dutj^  of  the  secretary  to  take  or 
send  a  certified  copy  of  the  proceedings,  the  notification, 
and  reasons  assigned,  to  the  annual  conference. 

17.  In  all  cases  of  appeal,  whether  to  the  quarterly  or 
annual  conference,  or  to  the  court  of  appeals,  the  course 
laid  dow^n  in  the  chapter  on  "Appeals"  is  the  proper 
course  to  be  pursued. 

Section  VI. 

ANNUAL  conference. 

Mem.be7^s. 
1.    The  annual  conference  shall  consist  of  all  the  elders 
and  licentiate  preachers  who  have  been  duly  received  by 
the  conference,  and  one  layman  from  each  charge  in  the 


36  DISCIPLINE 

conference,  who  shall  be  elected  by  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence by  ballot  at  the  third  or  last  session  in  the  year. 
The  layman  thus  chosen  shall  be  a  layman  in  the  true 
sense,  and  shall  not  be  one  holding  either  quarterly-  or 
annual-conference  license  as  a  minister ;  ^  and  such  lay- 
man shall  have  all  the  privileges  and  rights  of  ministers 
in  the  annual  conference,  except  the  right  to  vote  upon 
the  reception  or  expulsion  of  preachers,  and  the  passing 
of  preachers  in  the  course  of  reading. 

Devotions. 

2.  Suitable  devotional  exercises  consisting  of  scripture 
reading,  singing,  and  prayer  shall  be  held  at  the  opening 
and  closing  of  the  conference  sessions. 

Secretaries. 

3.  The  conference  shall  elect  one  or  more  secretaries, 
as  the  case  may  require,  who,  in  addition  to  discharging 
the  regular  duties  of  secretary,  shall,  immediately  on  the 
adjournment  of  the  annual  conference,  transmit  to  the 
publishing  agent  at  Dayton,  Ohio,  a  true  transcript  of 
the  footings  of  the  conference  chart. 

BishoiD  Pro  Tempore. 

4.  If  no  bishop  should  be  present,  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  annual  conference  to  elect  a  bishop  pro  tem.^  whose 
official  acts  shall  be  valid. 

Examinations. 

5.  All  preachers  shall  report  in  person  or  by  letter,  and 
be  examined  respecting  their  deportment  tow^ard  their 
fellow-men,  whether  their  conduct  in  life  be  blameless, 
and  whether  they  employ  as  much  time  as  practicable  to 
promote  the  kingdom  of  God  ( according  to  Tit.  1 :  7-9 
and  II.  Tim.  2:  15),  and  if  found  delinquent  they  shall 
be  admonished  or  advised,  as  the  case  may  require. 
But  sliould  all  admonition  or  advice  fail,  then  the  name 
of  the  delinquent  person  shall  be  erased  from  the  roll  of 
the  conference. 

>  Note.  — It  is  also  advised  by  the  General  Conference  that  wives 
of  annual-conference  ministers  be  not  chosen  as  lay  delegates. 


GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  CHURCH  37 

Absentees. 

6.  Bhoiikl  aliy  member  of  the  annual  conference  absent 
himself  from  the  session  of  conference  three  years  in  suc- 
cession, without  giving  a  satisfactory  reason  for  so  doing, 
his  name  may  be  erased  from  the  roll  of  the  conference. 

Electioneering  ForMdden. 

7.  No  preacher  shall  be  permitted  to  electioneer  favor- 
ably to  his  own  election  to  any  office  or  delegation  in  the 
Church;  and  should  any  one  be  found  doing  so,  he  shall 
be  held  aceoimtable  to  the  next  annual  conference  of 
which  he  is  a  member,  to  be  dealt  with  according  to  the 
judgment  of  said  conference. 

Authority  of  the  Annual  Conference, 

8.  An  annual  conference  may  adopt  rules  for  its  own 
government  not  in  conflict  with  the  Discipline  of  the 
Church. 

Questions. 

9.  The  following  questions  shall  also  be  asked  by  the 
presiding  officer: 

( 1 )  Have  any  of  your  preachers  died  during  the  last 
year  ? 

( 2 )  Who  are  candidates  for  the  ministry? 

( 3 )  Are  any  to  be  ordained  to  the  office  of  elder  ? 

( 4 )  What  has  been  collected  for  contingent  expenses 
and  the  salary  of  pastors  ? 

( 5 )  What  has  been  done  for  missions  ? 

( 6 )  What  has  been  done  for  Sabbath  schools  ? 

( 7 )  Has  reckoning  been  made  with  pastors  ? 

( 8 )  Who  are  the  presiding  elders  ? 

( 9 )  Where  are  the  preachers  stationed  this  year? 

( 10 )  Where  shall  our  next  conference  be  held  ? 

( 11 )  Is  there  anything  else  to  be  done  ? 

(12)  Is  all  that  has  been  done  entered  upon  record? 

Section  Vn. 

GENERAL  CONFERENCE. 

Members. 
1.    ( See  Constitution,  Article  I.,  Section  1. ) 


38  DISCIPI.INE 

Conference  Repi^esentation. 

2.  The  annual  conferences  shall  be  represented  in  the 
General  Conference  according  to  the  following  ratios : 

There  shall  not  be  less  than  three  nor  more  than  six 
delegates  from  any  annual-conference  district.  Any  con- 
ference having  less  than  three  thousand  members  shall 
be  entitled  to  two  elders  and  oue  layman.  Any  confer- 
ence having  three  thousand  and  under  six  thousand  five 
hundred  members  shall  be  entitled  to  three  elders  and 
one  layman.  Any  conference  having  six  thousand  five 
hundred  members  shall  be  entitled  to  four  elders  and  two 
laymen. 

Bishops^  Announcement 

3.  The  Board  of  Bishops  shall  as  early  as  possible  an- 
nounce the  number  of  delegates  to  which  each  conference 
shall  be  entitled,  as  appearing  from  the  statistics  of  the 
annual  conferences  at  the  end  of  the  third  year  of  the 
quadrennial  term. 

Nomination  of  Delegates. 

4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  ministerial  members  of 
each  annual  conference  at  the  session  next  preceding  the 
election  for  delegates  to  General  Conference,  apart  from 
the  lay  delegates,  to  nominate  by  ballot  three  times  the 
number  of  ministerial  delegates  to  be  elected.  It  shall 
also  be  the  duty  of  the  lay  delegates,  in  separate  conven- 
tion, to  nominate  by  ballot  three  times  the  number  of  lay 
delegates  to  be  elected.  In  both  cases  it  shall  require  a 
majority  of  all  the  ballots  cast  to  effect  a  nomination. 
This  provision  shall  not  be  construed  as  depriving  mem- 
bers of  the  right  to  vote,  if  desirous  of  doing  so,  for  other 
ministers  and  laymen  who  are  eligible. 

Annual-  Conference  Tellers. 

5.  Each  annual  conference  shall  appoint  a  committee 
of  three  as  a  board  of  tellers,  and  three  as  alternates,  to 
receive  and  publicly  count  the  votes,  and  issue  certificates 
of  election  to  those  receiving  the  highest  number  of  votes. 
It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  of  tellers  to  meet  before 
the  month  of  November  and  appoint  one  of  their  number 


GOVERNMENT  OP  THE  CHURCH  39 

secretary ;  and  to  said  secretary  all  returns  of  boards  of 
election  shall  be  made;  and  the  said  secretary  shall  re- 
tain under  lock  and  key  all  such  reports  until  the  official 
count  is  made. 

Lists  of  Nominees  and  Blanks. 

6.  The  annual  conference  shall  also  furnish,  through 
its  recording  secretary,  to  each  preacher  in  charge  of  a 
field  of  labor  a  list  of  all  the  ministers  and  laymen  nomi- 
nated ;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  presiding  elder  to 
have  printed  in  convenient  form,  and  deliver  in  due  time 
to  each  pastor,  printed  tickets  containing  all  the  names 
nominated,  for  use  in  the  election  of  delegates.  He  shall 
also  furnish  to  each  preacher  in  charge  on  his  district 
blank  bills  of  election,  which  shall  be  distributed  by  the 
preachers  to  their  respective  boards  of  election. 

Boards  of  Election. 

7.  The  leaders  and  stewards  of  each  local  church  shall 
constitute  a  board  of  election,  who  shall,  by  the  pastor,  be 
furnished  a  copy  of  the  list  of  persons  nominated;  and  the 
election  shall  be  held  invariably  in  the  mouth  of  Novem- 
ber next  preceding  the  sitting  of  the  General  Conference. 

8.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  of  election  of  each 
local  church  publicly  to  announce,  at  least  one  week  be- 
fore the  election,  a  meeting  of  the  members  of  said  church, 
for  the  purpose  of  casting  their  ballot  for  delegates  to  rep- 
resent them  in  the  General  Conference. 

Absent   Voters. 

9.  Should  any  member  be  incapacitated  by  age,  afflic- 
tion, non-residence,  or  other  unavoidable  circumstances, 
and  should  any  minister  be  absent  on  his  charge,  such 
persons  may  send  their  ballots  containing  the  names  of 
their  choice,  with  their  own  names  signed  on  the  back  of 
their  ballots;  provided,  that  no  votes  shall  be  counted 
except  those  cast  on  the  day  appointed  for  such  election. 

Election  Returns. 

10.  Each  board  of  election  shall  immediately  make  up 
the  bill  of  election,  sign,  enclose,  and  seal  it,  and  trans- 


40  DISCIPLINE 

mit  it  to  the  secretary  of  the  board  of  tellers  appointed 
by  the  annual  conference,  stating  what  church,  circuit, 
mission,  or  station  their  vote  represents.  They  shall  also 
keep  a  correct  copy  of  the  bill  they  send  to  the  tellers ; 
also  a  list  of  the  names  of  all  the  members  voting,  and 
also  the  tickets  used  in  voting,  until  after  the  adjourn- 
ment of  the  General  Conference,  when  they  may  be 
destroyed. 

Canvassing  and  Publication  of  Retur7is. 

11.  The  annual-conference  board  of  tellers,  after  giving 
at  least  three  days'  notice  of  the  time  and  place  of  can- 
vassing the  returns,  shall  make  out  a  list  of  all  persons 
voted  for,  and  of  the  number  of  votes  for  each ;  and 
should  any  two  or  more  of  the  candidates  have  an  equal 
number  of  votes,  the  tellers  shall  determine,  by  lot,  which 
of  them  is  elected.  Tliey  shall  also  forward  by  the  first 
of  February  the  names  of  those  elected  to  the  editor  of 
the  Religious  Telescope  for  publication.  They  shall  also 
transmit  to  the  publishing  agent,  at  Dayton,  Ohio,  a 
complete  list  of  all  persons  voted  for  and  the  number  of 
votes  cast  for  each,  which  record  shall  be  furnished  to 
the  ensuing  General  Conference,  and  if  one  or  more  of 
those  elected  should  be  prevented  from  attending,  by 
death,  sickness,  or  otherwise,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
tellers  or  secretary  of  the  General  Conference  to  notify 
the  next  highest  on  the  bill  to  take  his  place,  and  so  on, 
descending,  if  need  be,  to  the  last  candidate.  No  bills 
of  election  received  by  the  tellers  after  the  first  day  of 
January  shall  be  counted. 

Contests. 

12.  In  case  of  contest  for  the  seat  of  any  delegate  re- 
ported elected  to  the  General  Conference  by  the  board  of 
tellers  of  his  conference,  the  contestor  shall  give  notice  to 
the  contestee  in  writing  forty  days  before  the  sitting  of 
the  General  Conference,  in  which  charges  and  specifica- 
tions shall  be  plainly  stated.  Any  person  failing  to  give 
such  notice  shall  forfeit  his  right  to  contest  in  the  General 
Conference. 


GOVERNMENT  OP  THE  CHURCH  41 

Location  and  Entertainment  of  the  General  Conference. 

13.  The  arrangements  for  the  place  and  entertainment 
of  the  General  Conference,  if  not  determined  at  its  ses- 
sions, shall  be  referred,  with  full  power  to  act,  to  the 
board  of  trustees  and  the  agent  of  the  Printing  Estab- 
lishment. 

14.  Said  board  shall  estimate  the  amount  required  for 
the  expenses  of  the  General  Conference,  including  travel- 
ing expenses  and  boarding  of  delegates  and  bishops,  and 
shall  apportion  the  same  among  the  annual  confer- 
ences at  as  early  a  day  as  possible  prior  to  the  meeting  of 
the  General  Conference.  Said  apportionments  shall  be, 
by  each  annual  conference,  apportioned  among  the  differ- 
ent charges  in  the  conference  and  be  collected  by  the 
pastors,  and  the  amounts  collected  shall  be  reported  to 
the  annual-conference  session  next  preceding  the  sitting 
of  the  General  Conference.  The  funds  thus  collected 
shall  be  paid  to  the  publishing  agent  at  Dayton,  Ohio, 
who  shall  hold  them  subject  to  the  order  of  the  General 
Conference. 

15.  This  money  shall  be  known  as  the  General  Confer- 
ence Expense  Fund,  and  shall  be  distributed  among  the 
delegates  and  bishops  in  proportion  to  their  traveling 
expenses  by  the  most  direct  routes  to  and  from  the  seat 
of  the  General  Conference,  and  including  their  boarding 
and  lodging,  if  paid  for,  during  the  sessions  of  the  confer- 
ence. 

Examination  of  Annual  Conferences. 

16.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  General  Conference  to 
examine  the  administration  of  each  annual  conference, 
whether  it  has  strictly  observed  the  rules  and  preserved 
the  moral  and  doctrinal  principles  of  the  Discipline  in  all 
its  transactions. 

Election  of  Officers. 

17.  In  the  election  of  all  officers  of  the  General  Con- 
ference, a  majority  of  all  the  votes  shall  be  necessary  to  a 
choice. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

MINISTRY  OF   THE   CHURCH. 

Section  I. 

EXHORTERS. 

How  Licensed. 

1.  Any  person  wishing  to  obtain  license  to  exhort 
must  obtain  from  the  class  of  which  he  is  a  member,  by 
a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  members,  at  a  meeting  called 
for  that  purpose,  a  recommendation  in  writing,  signed  by 
the  leader,  or  preacher  in  charge,  to  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence of  the  circuit,  station,  or  mission  to  which  he 
belongs,  which  may  license  him,  after  an  examination  on 
the  questions  for  applicants  for  quarterly-conference 
license  to  preach. 

Exhorters^  Duties. 

2.  Exhorters  shall  make  appointments  wherever  ac- 
ceptable to  the  people  ;  read  portions  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, exhorting  therefrom ;  exhorting  saints,  that  they 
with  purpose  of  heart  should  cleave  to  the  Lord,  and 
sinners  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come ;  and  this  they 
shall  do  as  often  as  practicable. 

Renewal  of  License. 

3.  The  license  of  an  exhorter  is  subject  to  renewal 
annually,  at  the  discretion  of  the  quarterly  conference. 

Section  II. 

QUARTERLY-CONFERENCE   PREACHERS. 

How  Liceyised. 
1.    Any  person  wishing  to  obtain   license  to  preach, 
must  obtain  from  the  class  of  which  he  is  a  member,  by  a 
two-thirds  vote  of  the  members  at  a  meeting  called  for 

42 


MINISTRY  OF  THE  CHIJRCH  43 

that  purpose,  a  recommeDdation  in  writing,  signed  by 
the  leader  or  preacher,  to  the  quarterly  conference  of  the 
circuit,  station,  or  mission  to  which  he  belongs;  provided, 
however,  that  none  shall  receive  license  who  have  not 
passed  the  Bible  Normal  Union  Course,  or  its  fair  equiva- 
lent, and  expressed  their  purpose  to  make  the  ministry 
their  life  work,  and  who  cannot  give  satisfactory  evidence 
of  their  call,  religious  experience,  soundness  of  doctrine, 
and  attachment  to  the  Church  and  its  government.  The 
person  making  application  shall  be  examined  by  the 
quarterly  conference,  and  the  following  questions  shall 
be  asked  by  the  chairman: 

Examination  of  Applicants. 

2.  ( 1 )  Do  you  believe  our  Confession  of  Faith  as  set 
forth  in  our  Book  of  Discipline  ? 

( 2  )  Have  you  now  peace  with  God  through  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  ? 

(3)  What  is  your  motive  in  desiring  permission  to 
preach  the  gospel? 

(4)  Are  you  satisfied  with  our  Church  government? 

( 5 )  Will  you  submit  yourself  to  the  counsel  of  your 
brethren  ? 

(  6 )  What  is  your  knowledge  of  depravitj^,  of  redemp- 
tion, of  faith,  of  repentance,  of  justification,  of  regenera- 
tion, and  of  sanctification? 

( 7 )  What  is  your  knowledge  of  the  ordinary  branches 
of  an  English  or  German  education? 

3.  It  shall  be  the  privilege  of  the  chairman  to  ask  any 
other  question  or  questions  that  lie  may  deem  necessary. 

4.  Persons  divorced,  except  on  scriptural  grounds,  shall 
not  be  granted  license. 

5.  No  person  shall  be  granted  license  to  preach  the 
gospel  who  uses  tobacco  in  any  form. 

6.  When  a  preacher  from  another  church  comes  to  us 
with  a  certificate  of  good  standing  in  the  church  in  which 
he  has  held  membership,  and  gives  satisfaction  to  the 
quarterly  conference  concerning  his  agreement  on  the 
doctrines,  discipline,  government,  and  usages  of  our 
Church,  the  quarterly  conference  may  receive  him,  and 


44  DISCIPLINE 

p-ive  him  the  same  standing  which  he  held  in  the  church 
from  which  he  came,  until  the  succeeding  annual  confer- 
ence. 

Course  of  Reading. 

V.  .  A  quarterly -conference  preacher  is  required  to  pur- 
sue the  course  of  reading  prescribed  in  our  Book  of  Dis- 
cipline, and  to  be  examined  annually  by  the  presiding 
elder  and  preacher  in  charge  at  the  fourth  quarterly 
meeting. 

[  For  exception  to  this  article,  see  paragraph  7,  on  page 
46.] 

Renewal  of  License. 

8.  The  license  of  a  quarterly-conference  preacher  is 
subject  to  renewal  annually,  at  the  discretion  of  the 
quarterly  conference  ;  provided,  however,  that  when  the 
course  of  study  required  has  been  taken,  a  permanent 
license  may  be  granted,  not  subject  to  annual  renewal. 

Recommendation  to  Annual  Conference. 

9.  After  a  quarterly-conference  preacher  has  stood  in 
that  relation  one  or  more  conference  years,  the  quarterly 
conference  may  recommend  him  to  the  annual  confer- 
ence, and  if  not  received  he  shall  sustain  his  former 
relation. 

Section  III. 

ANNUAL-CONFERENCE   PREACHERS. 

How  Received. 

1.  Every  person  proposed  as  a  preacher  shall  be  exam- 
ined by  the  annual  conference,  or  a  select  committee 
thereof ;  and  the  following  questions  shall  be  asked  him  : 

Preacher'' s  Examination. 

2.  ( 1 )  Have  you  known  God  in  Christ  Jesus  to  be  a 
sin-pardoning  God? 

( 2 )  Have  you  now  peace  with  God,  and  is  the  love  of 
God  shed  abroad  in  your  heart  by  the  Holy  Spirit? 

(3)  Do  you  believe  the  Bible  to  be  the  word  of  God, 
and  that  therein  is  contained  the  only  true  way  to  our 
salvation  ? 


MINISTRY  OF  THE   CHimCH  45 

(4)  What  foundation  have  you  for  such  belief? 

( 5 )  Do  you  follow  after  holiness  ? 

(6)  What  is  your  motive  for  desiring  permission  to 
preach  the  gospel  ? 

( 7 )  Do  you  believe  that  man,  apart  from  the  grace  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  is  fallen  from  original  righteous- 
ness, and  is  not  only  entirely  destitute  of  holiness,  but  is 
inclined  to  evil,  and  only  evil,  and  that  continually  ;  and 
that  except  a  man  be  born  again  he  cannot  see  the  king- 
dom of  heaven  ? 

( 8 )  What  is  your  knowledge  of  redemption,  of  faith,  of 
repentance,  justification,  regeneration,  and  sanctification  ? 

( 9  )  Does  3'our  own  salvation,  and  the  salvation  of  your 
fellow  mortals,  lie  nearer  to  your  heart  than  all  other 
things  in  the  world? 

( 10 )  Will  you  subject  yourself  to  the  counsel  of  your 
brethren  in  the  Lord  ? 

( 11 )  Are  you  satisfied  with  our>  Church  government  ? 

(12)  Are  you  willing,  as  much  as  is  in  your  power,  to 
assist  in  upholding  our  itinerant  plan  ? 

( 13 )  What  have  been  your  school  advantages  ? 

Licensing   Women. 

3.  Not  wishing  to  hinder  any  Christian  who  may  be 
moved  by  the  Holy  Spirit  to  labor  in  the  vineyard  of  the 
Lord  for  the  salvation  of  souls,  it  is  ordered  that  whenever 
any  godly  woman  presents  herself  before  the  quarterly  or 
annual  conference  as  an  applicant  for  authority  to  preach 
the  gospel  among  us,  she  may  be  granted  license,  pro- 
vided she  complies  with  the  usual  conditions  required  of 
applicants  for  the  ministry  in  our  Church.  And  when 
she  shall  have  j^assed  the  required  examination  before 
the  regular  committees,  she  may,  after  the  usual  proba- 
tion, be  ordained. 

Qualifications  of  Applicants. 

4.  None  can  be  admitted  without  having  a  recom- 
mendation from  the  quarterly  conference,  and  then  only 
to  be  received  on  probation ;  neither,  except  in  extraor- 
dinaiy  cases,   can    any  one  be  admitted  who  has  not 


46  DISCIPLINE 

completed  a  public-school  course  through  the  high-school 
grade,  or  the  standard  preparatory  course  in  college,  or  its 
fair  equivalent ;  such  cases  to  be  decided  by  a  two-thirds 
vote  of  the  annual  conference.  If  the  conference  should, 
on  examination,  find  that  the  candidate's  abilities  are 
insufficient  to  preach  the  gospel,  it  may  refer  him  back  to 
the  quarterly  conference  for  further  instruction. 

5.  Persons  divorced,  except  on  scriptural  grounds,  shall 
not  be  granted  license  to  preach. 

6.  No  person  shall  be  granted  license  to  preach  the 
gospel  who  uses  tobacco  in  any  form. 

Exemption  from  Examination. 

7.  Any  person  pursuing  the  quarterly-  or  annual-con- 
ference course  of  study  who  presents  a  certificate  to  the 
eflTect  that  he  has  completed  branches  or  books  contained 
in  the  courses  in  the  Discipline,  at  any  of  our  schools,  or 
at  schools  whose  standard  of  excellence  is  acceptable  to 
the  parties  conducting  the  examination  on  behalf  of  the 
Church,  said  certificates  shall  preclude  the  necessity  for 
further  examination  in  the  branches  or  books  which  have 
been  completed  as  evidenced  by  said  certificates. 

An  Expelled  Preacher. 

8.  When  a  preacher  or  elder  has  been  expelled,  or 
withdraws  from  an  annual  conference,  he  shall  not  be 
received  into  another  conference  without  the  consent  of 
the  conference  with  which  he  was  formerly  connected. 

Preacher^ s  Transfer. 

9.  A  preacher  or  elder  who  shall  labor  in  the  bounds 
of  an  annual  conference  other  than  the  one  to  which  he 
belongs,  for  two  years,  shall  be  required  to  obtain  a  trans- 
fer from  the  conference  to  which  he  belongs  and  to  unite 
with  the  conference  in  whose  bounds  he  labors,  or  to  re- 
turn to  his  own  conference  for  work ;  provided,  that  presi- 
dents and  professors  of  schools  and  colleges,  and  others 
engaged  in  general  church-work,  shall  be  exempt  from 
this  requirement. 

10.  A  preacher  removing  from  one  conference  to  an- 
other shall,  when  he  applies  to  the  latter  for  admission, 


MINISTRY   OF  THE  CHURCH  47 

produce  a  transfer  from  the  former,  signed  by  the  presid- 
ing officer  or  secretary. 

Limit  of  Transfer. 

11.  A  preacher  or  elder  who  receives  a  transfer  is  re- 
quired to  present  said  transfer  to  another  conference,  or  to 
return  it  to  the  conference  by  which  it  was  issued,  within 
two  years  after  its  date.  Otherwise  the  transfer  shall  be 
null  and  void,  and  it  shall  be  published  that  said 
preacher  is  no  longer  connected  with  our  Church  as  a 
minister. 

Accountability  of  Transferred  Preachers. 

12.  A  i^reacher  or  elder  receiving  a  transfer  shall  be  a 
member  of  the  quarterly  conference  in  whose  bounds  he 
may  reside,  and  shall  also  be  accountable  for  his  moral 
and  official  conduct  to  the  annual  conference  granting 
said  transfer,  until  his  transfer  be  received  by  the  con- 
ference to  w^hich  he  has  been  transferred. 

Section  IV. 

RECEPTION   OF   PREACHERS   FROM   OTHER  CHURCHES. 

When  a  preacher  from  another  church  comes  to  us 
with  a  certificate  of  good  standing  in  the  church  in 
which  he  has  held  membership,  or  with  a  transfer  from 
a  conference,  presbytery,  or  synod,  and  gives  satisfaction 
to  the  annual  conference  concerning  his  agreement  on  the 
doctrine,  discipline,  government,  and  usages  of  our 
Church,  the  conference  may  receive  him.  If  he  be  an 
ordained  elder  he  must  pass  the  examination  required  of 
candidates  for  elders'  orders,  but  he  may  be  exempt  from 
the  laying  on  of  hands. 

Section  V. 

CLASSIFICATION   OF  THE   MINISTRY. 

Classes. 
1.    The  ministry  of  the  Church  shall  be  classified  after 
the  following  order :  first,  as  elders  and  licentiates ;  second, 
as  itinerants  (active,  superannuated,  or  supernumerary) 
and  local  preachers. 


48  DISCIPLINE 

Elders. 

2.  Elders  are  ministers  who  have  been  ordained  in 
accordance  with  the  provisions  of  Section  VI.  of  this 
chapter. 

U-centiates. 

3.  Licentiates  are  ministers  who  have  received  annual- 
conference  license,  but  have  not  yet  been  ordained 

Itinerants. 

4.  To  this  class  shall  belong  all  annual-conference 
ministers  who  have  been  regularly  received  into  the 
itinerancy.  They  may  be  active,  superannuated,  or 
supernumerary. 

( 1 )  Active  Itinerants  are  such  itinerants  as  have  re- 
ceived work  from  the  conference  or  Churcli. 

(2)  Superannuated  Itinerants  are  such  itinerants  as 
are  from  age  or  physical  infirmities  unable  to  pursue  the 
regular  work  of  the  ministry. 

(3)  Supernumerary  Itinerants  are  such  as  have  been 
admitted  to  the  itinerancy  and  are  willing  to  work,  but  for 
whom  the  conference  and  Church,  for  the  time  being,  are 
not  able  to  find  work,  or  who,  by  their  own  request,  have 
been  voted  to  such  relation. 

Local  Preachers. 

5.  To  this  class  shall  belong  such  annual-conference 
preachers  as  are  not  admitted  to  the  itinerancy. 

Class  —  How  Determined. 

6.  The  annual  conference  shall  determine  to  which  of 
the  foregoing  classes  each  minister  shall  belong.  Should 
an  itinerant  leave  in  an  irregular  way  the  work  assigned 
him,  he  shall  forfeit  his  standing  as  an  itinerant. 

Evangelists. 

7.  A  preacher  who  desires  to  labor  as  an  evangelist 
must  be  duly  authorized  by  the  annual  conference  to 
which  he  belongs,  and  shall  report  his  work  annually  to 
the  conference. 


anNISTRY   OF  THE  CHURCH  49 

Section  VI. 

ELDERS. 

Idcentiate^s  Probation. 

1 .  After  a  probation  of  three  years,  a  licentiate  preacher 
may  be  presented  to  the  annual  conference  for  elders' 
orders ;  whereupon  the  bishop  shall  propose  to  the  con- 
ference the  following  questions  : 

Questions  Regarding  a  Candidate. 

2.  ( 1 )     Is  he  blameless  touching  the  marriage  state  ? 

( 2 )  Is  his  deportment  in  the  social  circle  marked  with 
watchful  sobriety? 

( 3 )  Is  he  hospitable  toward  the  afflicted  and  needy  ? 

( 4 )  Is  he  faithful  in  the  public  ministration  of  God's 
word,  and  diligent  in  reading  and  study  ? 

( 5 )  Is  his  household  subject  to  rules  of  piety  ? 

3.  Should  the  above  questions  be  answered  in  the 
affirmative,  a  committee  of  three  or  five  elders  shall  be 
appointed,  before  whom  the  candidate  shall  appear,  and 
make  answer  to  the  following  questions  : 

Committee  Examination. 

4.  (1)  Upon  what  foundation  do  you  believe  the 
Bible  to  be  the  word  of  God  ? 

( 2 )  How  do  you  prove  the  fall  of  man  by  transgression  ? 

(3)  How  do  you  prove  the  redemption  of  man  by 
Jesus  Christ  ? 

( 4 )  Do  you  believe  in  the  deity  of  Jesus  Christ  ? 

( 5 )  What  foundation  have  you  for  such  a  belief  ? 

( 6 )  Do  you  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost  as  presented  in 
our  Confession  of  Faith  ? 

( 7 )  Upon  what  evidence  do  you  believe  this  ? 

( 8 )  Do  you  believe  in  future  everlasting  punishment? 

Duties  of  the  Committee. 

5.  It  shall  be  the  right  of  the  committee  to  propose 
any  question  touching  the  answers  given,  if  said  answers 
should  be  unsatisfactory.  It  shall  also  be  their  duty  to 
make  out,  sign,  and  deliver  to  the  conference  a  report 
of  each  case  which  may  have  been  before  them. 

4 


50  DISCIPLINE 

Election  to  Elders^  Orders. 

6.  If  the  committee  and  conference  find  the  candidate 
worthy,  by  a  majority  of  the  votes  of  the  elders  of  con- 
ference he  may  be  elected  to  ordination. 

Special  Provision. 

7.  When  circumstances  demand  it,  a  licentiate  may 
be  presented  to  the  conference  for  ordination  at  any  time 
prior  to  a  probation  of  three  years,  provided  two-thirds  of 
the  elders  present  vote  for  the  same. 

Duties  of  an  Elder. 

8.  It  is  the  duty  of  an  elder  to  preach  the  gospel,  to 
administer  the  sacraments  of  baptism  and  the  Lord's 
supper,  to  solemnize  marriages,  to  perform  all  parts  of 
divine  service,  to  be  an  example  to  others  by  himself  fol- 
lowing the  Saviour's  example;  and  in  a  veiy  special 
manner  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  an  elder  to  cherish  and 
encourage  young  ministers,  and  always  to  be  looking  for 
those  whom  God  has  called  to  preach,  and  advise  them 
to  take  up  the  cross  and  begin  the  work  without  delay,  or, 
in  case  it  is  required,  to  enter  upon  the  fullest  preparation, 
that  the  gathering  of  the  gospel  harvest  may  be  faith- 
fully performed. 

Section  VII. 

PRESIDING   EDDEKS. 

Election  of  Presiding  Elders. 

1.  Presiding  elders  shall  be  elected  by  the  annual  con- 
ferences by  ballot.  A  majority  of  the  whole  number  of 
votes  shall  be  necessary  to  a  choice. 

Support  of  Presiding  Elders. 

2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  several  annual  confer- 
ences to  make  such  regulations  for  the  support  of  presid- 
ing elders  as  they  in  their  wisdom  may  think  best  calcu- 
lated to  accomplish  the  desired  end. 

Stationing  Presiding  Elders. 

3.  Presiding  elders  shall  be  stationed  by  the  bishop 


MINISTRY  OF  THE  CHURCH  51 

and  two  elders  or  preachers  elected  by  ballot  from  each 
presiding-elder  district. 

Duties  of  Presiding  Elders. 

4.  The  duties  of  a  presiding  elder  are,  to  travel  through 
the  district  appointed  him,  and  to  preach  as  often  as 
practicable. 

5.  He  shall  appoint  the  quarterly  and  camp  meetings, 
and  attend  them.  He  shall  hold  quarterly  conferences, 
and  administer  the  ordinances  of  Grod's  house.  He  shall 
inquire  whether  the  preachers  do  their  duty,  and  exhort 
them  to  maintain  discipline  and  order,  love  and  serious- 
ness, in  the  Church.  He  shall  look  after  the  organization 
of  young  people's  societies  on  his  district,  and  make  in- 
quiry in  the  quarterly  conferences  as  to  the  work  of  the 
societies,  and  keep  a  record  of  the  number  of  members, 
and  the  names  of  corresponding  secretaries  and  their 
addresses,  and  report  them  to  the  corresponding  secre- 
tary of  the  branch  union.  He  may  also  call  extra  ses- 
sions of  the  quarterly  conference  with  the  consent  of  a 
majority  of  its  members. 

6.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  make  strict  inquiry  whether 
each  pastor  has  received  the  amount  of  salary  due  him, 
and  in  case  of  a  deficiency,  to  make  an  earnest  effort  to 
secure  the  amount  due. 

7.  The  presiding  elder  shall  earnestly  endeavor  to 
arouse  the  membership  of  the  Church  to  a  more  uniform 
performance  of  their  duties  in  the  support  of  the  ministry ; 
and  he  shall  from  time  to  time  suggest  to  the  quarterly 
conference  the  most  practicable  means  for  meeting  their 
financial  obligations. 

8.  At  the  second  quarterly  conference  of  each  year,  the 
presiding  elders  shall  examine  the  boards  of  trustees  of 
church  houses  and  parsonages  as  to  their  having  pro- 
cured articles  of  incorporation  according  to  the  laws  of 
the  State  and  the  regulations  of  the  Church,  and  shall 
give  such  instructions  as  may  be  necessary. 

9.  Each  presiding  elder  shall  make  a  report  in 
writing,  of  his  district,  annually,  to  the  annual  confer- 
ence. 


52  DISCIPLINE 

Vacancies 

10.  Should  any  district,  through  death,  resignation,  or 
otherwise,  be  without  a  presiding  elder,  information  shall 
be  immediately  given  to  the  bishop,  who  shall  appoint 
an  elder  to  preside  in  said  district  until  the  ensuing  an- 
nual conference. 

Poiver  to  Exchange  Pastors. 

11.  Should  it  become  desirable  to  exchange  the  pastors 
of  two  charges  on  his  district,  the  presiding  elder  may, 
in  conjunction  with  two  elders,  preachers,  exhorters,  or 
leaders  (  one  from  each  charge  ) ,  change  the  said  pastors. 

Power  to  Dismiss  Pastors. 

12.  .  The  presiding  elder  may,  in  conjunction  with  the 
quarterly  conference,  dismiss  a  pastor  from  his  charge  for 
inefficiency  or  neglect  of  duty. 

13.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  fill  any  vacancy  in  the  pas- 
torates on  his  district  caused  by  death,  resignation,  or 
otherwise. 

Section  VIII. 

BISHOPS. 

Election  of  Bishops. 

1.  The  General  Conference  shall  elect  bishops  for  the 
term  of  four  years,  who  may,  at  the  option  of  the  confer- 
ence, be  reelected.  The  bishops  must  be  capable  of  at- 
tending the  conferences  assigned  them,  otherwise  they 
cannot  be  elected ;  provided,  however,  that  the  General 
Conference  may  elect  bishops  emeriti  when  it  deems  it 
proper  to  do  so. 

Bishop  Emeritus. 

2.  A  bishop  emeritus  shall  be  equal  with  the  other 
bishops,  and  he  shall  assist  them  in  their  work  as  his 
strength  may  permit,  or  as  the  Board  of  Bishops  may 
arrange. 

Holding  Conferences. 

3.  The  bishops  shall  arrange  the  time  of  holding  the 
several  conferences,  and  attend  and  preside  over  them 
as  the  General  Conference  shall  direct. 


MINISTKY    OF  THE   CHURCH  53 

Salaries  of  Bish(yps. 

4.  The  Geueral  Conference  shall  fix  the  salaries  of  the 
bishops.  Apportionments  to  meet  these  salaries  shall  be 
made  to  the  Church  by  the  bishops.  Apportionments 
thus  made  to  the  annual  conferences  and  mission  districts 
shall  be  apportioned  to  the  various  fields  of  labor  accord- 
ing to  the  ability  of  each. 

Residences  of  Bishops. 

5.  Each  bishop  shall  reside  within  the  bounds  of  the 
district  to  which  he  shall  be  assigned.  The  bishops  shall 
be  appointed  to  their  respective  districts  by  a  committee 
authorized  by  the  General  Conference. 

Duties  of  Bishops. 

PRESIDING    AT  CONFERENCES. 

6.  It  is  the  dut3^  of  bishops  to  preside  over  the  annual 
and  General,  conferences,  and  strictly  examine  into  the 
moral  and  official  character  of  the  members  of  the  annual 
conferences  in  the  bounds  of  their  districts,  and  see  that 
all  the  laws  of  the  Church  are  faithfully  executed.  It  is 
also  provided  that  the  bishops  shall  have  power  to  inter- 
change with  each  other  in  the  holding  of  conferences 
when  they  deem  it  necessary  or  expedient  to  do  so. 

STATIONING   OF  PREACHERS. 

7.  For  stationing  presiding  elders,  see  "Stationing 
Presiding  Elders,"  page  50.  For  stationing  pastors,  see 
"Stationing  Committee,"  page  59. 

ORDINATION  OF  PREACHERS. 

8.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  bishops  to  perform  the 
rite  of  ordination  at  the  annual  conferences,  and  at  such 
other  times  and  places  as  circumstances  may  require,  but 
only  upon  such  persons  as  have  passed  the  usual  examin- 
ation required  of  candidates  for  ordination,  by  a  com- 
mittee of  three  elders  chosen  for  that  purpose  by  one  of 
the  bishops. 

ANNUAL,  MEETINGS. 

9.  The  bishops  shall  hold  annual  meetings,  in  which 
they  shall  determine  the  time  of  holding  the  annual  con- 


54  DISCIPLINE 

ferences  ;  decide  questions  of  discipline ;  adopt  measures 
to  secure  uniformity  in  their  administration ;  and  when 
circumstances  demand  it,  appoint  fast  and  thanksgiving 
seasons,  and  counsel  upon  the  general  interests  of  the 
Church. 

SPECIAL  SESSIONS. 

10.  The  bishop  of  any  district  shall  convene  in  special 
session  any  annual  conference,  when  requested  to  do  so 
by  one-half  or  more  of  the  members  of  such  conference. 

ORGANIZING   MISSION  CONFERENCES. 

11.  In  conjunction  with  the  Board  of  Missions,  a  bishop 
shall  have  power  to  organize  mission  conferences. 

MISSIONARY  COLLECTION, 

12.  The  bishops  shall  take  a  missionary  collection  and 
subscription  during  the  session  of  each  conference. 

IN   MISSION   FIELDS. 

13.  The  bishops  shall  devote  as  much  of  their  time  as 
possible,  consistent  with  other  duties,  to  visiting  our  mis- 
sions and  exploring  new  fields. 

GENERAL   FINANCIAL  AND  EDUCATIONAL  INTERESTS. 

14.  The  bishops  shall  devote  attention  to  the  general 
financial  and  educational  interests  of  the  Church. 

REPORTS. 

15.  The  bishops  shall  publish  annually,  in  the  columns 
of  the  Religious  Telescope  and  Frohliehe  Botschafter^  re- 
ports of  their  respective  districts,  and  also  the  amount  of 
salary  received  from  the  several  annual  conferences  in 
their  charge. 

VACANT  DISTRICTS. 

16.  Should  any  district  be  deprived  of  a  bishop  by 
death  or  otherwise,  the  remaining  bishops  shall  provide 
for  the  appointment  and  holding  of  the  annual  confer- 
ences composing  such  vacant  district. 

ANNUAL  ADDRESS  AND  SERMON. 

17.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  bishops  to  see  that  a 
suitable  address  be  delivered  to  the  preachers  present,  and 
a  sennon  on  the  Sabbath  at  each  annual  conference. 


MINISTRY  OF  THE  CHURCH  55 

DELINQUENCY. 

18.  When  a  bishop  fails  to  perform  his  duty,  unless 
through  unavoidable  circumstances,  he  cannot  be  suffered 
to  retain  his  office. 

THE  FOREIGN    FIELD. 

19.  The  foreign  field  shall  be  under  the  supervision  of 
the  Board  of  Bishops  and  the  Board  of  Missions. 

Section  IX. 

TRIAL  OF   PREACHERS. 

Quarterly-  Conference  Preachers. 

1.  When  a  quarterly -conference  preacher  or  exhorter 
is  accused  of  any  misdemeanor,  the  leader  or  steward 
shall  prosecute  the  ease,  and  shall  inquire  into  the  nature 
of  the  complaints,  and  if  there  be  grounds  for  charges  he 
shall  present  to  the  accused  a  copy  of  the  charges  and 
notify  him  to  choose  a  conmiitteemau,  and  the  prosecutor 
shall  choose  a  second  committeeman ;  these  two  a  third ; 
and  this  committee  shall  try  the  case,  the  preacher  in 
charge  being  chairman. 

2.  If  the  accused  refuse,  or  neglect,  or  fail,  or  is  unable 
to  choose  a  committeeman  after  being  properly  notified, 
the  quarterly  conference  shall  choose  a  first  and  second 
person,  and  these  two  a  third,  and  this  committee  shall 
hear  the  case  and  decide.  If  the  accused  is  found  guilty, 
he  shall  be  silenced ;  provided,  however,  that  either  party 
shall  have  the  right  of  appeal  to  the  next  quarterly  con- 
ference for  a  new  trial. 

Annual-  Conference  Preachers. 

3.  When  a  preacher,  elder,  or  bishop  is  reported  guilty 
of  immorality,  trespass,  imprudent  conduct,  or  disobedi- 
ence to  the  order  and  discipline  of  the  Church,  the 
preacher  to  whom  it  is  known  shall  take  with  him 
another  preacher,  exhorter,  or  leader,  and  examine  into 
the  charge;  but  as  the  apostle  says  (I.  Tim.  5:19), 
"against  an  elder  receive  not  an  accusation,  but  before 
two  or  three  witnesses."  If  it  should  appear  that  said  re- 
ports are  well  founded,  the  examiners  shall  prefer  charges 


56  DISCIPLINE 

against  the  accused  ;  if  not,  they  shall  report  to  the  next 
quarterly  conference  of  which  the  accused  is  a  member 
that  they  found  no  cause  of  action.  If  charges  are  pre- 
ferred and  no  one  be  found  willing  to  prosecute  the  case, 
then  the  said  quarterly  conference  shall  appoint  a  prose- 
cutor, whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  notify  the  accused,  in 
writing,  of  all  the  charges  preferred  against  him.  He 
shall  also  notify  him  to  choose  an  elder  as  his  committee- 
man, the  prosecutor  choosing  an  elder  also  as  committee- 
man, in  behalf  of  the  Church,  and  they  two  a  third  elder 
or  preacher,  before  which  committee  the  case  shall  be 
tried.  The  prosecutor  shall  also  notify  the  presiding  elder 
of  the  district  within  whose  bounds  said  cause  of  accusa- 
tion occurred ;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  presiding 
elder  to  appoint  the  time  and  place  of  trial,  giving  not  less 
than  twenty  nor  more  than  forty  days'  notice,  to  the 
parties  concerned,  of  said  tiial ;  and  he  shall  also  act  as 
chairman  in  the  case.  Should  a  majority  of  the  commit- 
tee be  satisfied  that  the  accusation  is  sustained,  they  shall 
require  him  to  hold  his  peace  until  the  annual  conference, 
where  he  shall  be  accountable,  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  committee  to  transmit  in  w^riting  the  entire  proceed- 
ings of  said  trial  to  the  annual  conference,  where  the 
accused  shall  have  a  hearing  before  the  conference,  or  a 
select  committee  thereof;  and  if  the  findings  are  sustained, 
he  shall  be  suspended,  expelled,  or  otherwise  dealt  with, 
as  the  conference  m^y  determine.  But  should  the  ac- 
cused, after  having  been  duly  notified,  refuse  or  neglect  to 
Comply  in  choosing  his  committeeman  and  notifying  the 
prosecutor  within  fifteen  days,  the  presiding  elder  shall 
suspend  him  until  the  annual  conference,  where,  if  he 
shall  refuse  to  appear,  he  shall  be  dealt  with  according  to 
the  judgment  of  the  conference  ;  provided,  however,  if  he 
be  an  elder,  elders  only  shall  vote  in  the  case ;  and  pro- 
vided further,  that  if  the  committeemen  chosen  by  the 
prosecutor  and  accused  fail  to  agree  as  to  the  third  mem- 
ber of  the  committee,  then  the  quarterly  conference  shall 
appoint  said  committeeman.  If  the  accused  or  prose- 
cutor be  a  presiding  elder  or  bishop,  the  presiding  elder 
or  bishop,  as  the  case  may  be,  next  adjoining,  shall  act  as 


MINISTRY  OF  THE  CHURCH  57 

chairman  in  the  trial ;  provided,  that  in  conferences 
having  only  one  presiding  elder,  the  bishop  shall  appoint 
a  chairman  to  act  in  the  case. 

4.  The  foregoing  relates  only  to  arinual-eonference 
members. 

Section  X. 

MARRIAGE  — WHO   MAY  SOLEMNIZE. 

All  ordained  ministers,  and  those  that  have  obtained 
license  from  an  annual  conference,  where  the  law  of  the 
State  makes  it  the  privilege  of  every  regularly  licensed 
minister  to  solemnize  marriage,  are  authorized  to  solem- 
nize marriage;  but  none  having  quarterly-conference 
license  only  are  permitted  to  do  so. 

Section  XI. 

PREACHERS'    DUTIES  IN   GENERAL. 

1.  The  duties  of  preachers  are  to  preach  Christ  cruci- 
fied ;  to  form  classes,  and  report  the  same  to  annual  con- 
ferences; converse  with  the  members  on  their  spiritual 
condition;  administer  relief ;  strengthen  anil  direct  those 
that  are  afflicted  or  labor  under  temptations;  animate 
the  indolent ;  endeavor  as  much  as  possible  to  edify  and 
instruct  all  in  faith,  in  the  Christian  virtues,  and  in  the 
knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ ;  visit  the  sick  ;  and  strive  to 
enforce  and  confirm  the  doctrine  they  deliver  by  a  well- 
ordered  and  exemplary  life. 

Directions  to  Preachers. 

2.  Let  preachers  heed  the  following  directions : 

( 1 )  Be  diligent.    Never  trifle  awa^'  your  time.    Al- 
ways be  serious.    Let  your  motto  be,  "Holiness  unto, 
THE  Lord."    Avoid  all  vain  conversation,  conduct  your- 
self prudently  with  women,  and  demean  yourself  in  all  I 
respects  as  a  true  Christian.    Be  at  all  times  averse  to 
crediting  evil  reports.    Believe  evil  of  no  one  without 

(good  evidence.    Put  the  best  construction  on  everything. 

(2)  Speak  evil  of  no  one.  Whatever  may  be  your 
fthoughts,  keep  them  within  3^our  own  breast  until  you 
can  tell  the  person  concerned  what  you  think  wrong  in 
his  conduct. 


58  DISCIPLINE 

(3)  Let  your  business  be  to  save  as  many  souls  as 
possible.  To  this  employment  give  yourself  up  wholly. 
Visit  those  who  need  it,  and  act  in  all  things,  not  accord- 
ing to  your  own  will,  but  as  sons  in  the  gospel ;  for  as 
such  it  becomes  your  duty  to  employ  your  time  in  the 
manner  prescribed,  in  preaching,  and  in  visiting  from 
house  to  house,  in  instruction  and  prayer,  and  in  meditat- 
ing on  the  word  of  God.  With  these  things  be  occupied 
until  our  Lord  shall  come. 

Preachers  Not  to  Trespass. 

3.  No  preacher  shall  arbitrarily  foim  a  circuit,  mission, 
or  station  within  the  limits  of  a  circuit  or  presiding-elder 
district,  or  shall  receive  compensation  for  labor  performed, 
without  the  consent  of  the  preacher  in  charge  ;  nor  shall 
any  minister  preaching  in  a  different  language  accept  a 
call  from  any  regularly  organized  class  or  congregation 
which  does  not  belong  to  his  conference,  without  the  con- 
sent of  the  annual  conference  to  which  the  charge  making 
the  request  may  belong.  Any  preacher  violating  the 
provisions  of* this  section  shall  be  amenable  to  his  quar- 
terly or  annual  conference. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

ITINERANCY. 

Section  I. 

ITINERANTS. 

Hcrw  Constituted. 

1.  All  who  propose  themselves  without  reserve,  after 
haviug  labored  two  years  under  the  direction  of  the  sta- 
tioning committee  or  presiding  elder,  and  have  been 
received  as  such  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members 
of  conference,  shall  be  recognized  as  itinerants. 

Withdrawing  from  the  Itinerancy. 

2.  If  any  one  who  is  thus  received  shall  withdraw  from 
active  work  without  giving  satisfaction  to  the  conference 
of  which  he  is  a  member,  he  shall  not  be  entitled  to  any 
support  from  the  funds  belonging  to  said  conference. 
And,  furthermore,  he  shall  not  reenter  the  itinerancy 
without  the  consent  of  at  least  two-thirds  of  the  confer- 
ence. Yet  supernumerary  and  superannuated  relations 
shall  be  duly  recognized  as  in  accordance  with  this  re- 
quirement, and  may  be  secured  to  any  brother  having 
just  claims  thereto,  by  a  vote  of  the  conference. 

Pastor^s  designation. 

3.  Should  a  pastor  desire  to  leave  the  work  assigned 
him,  he  must  first  inform  the  presiding  elder  of  his  inten- 
tion, in  writing ;  and  should  any  one  leave  or  neglect  his 
charge,  except  it  be  through  sickness  or  other  unavoidable 
circumstances,  he  shall  be  accountable  to  the  next  annual 
conference. 

Stationing  Committee. 

4.  The  bishop  and  presiding  elders  of  the  past  and 
present  years  shall  constitute  a  stationing  committee, 


60  DISCIPLINE 

whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  supply  all  the  circuits,  stations, 
and  missions,  as  far  as  practicable,  from  the  list  of  itiner- 
ants; provided,  however,  that  where  there  is  but  one 
presiding  elder  on  the  committee,  the  conference  may 
elect  to  the  same  another  elder  from  the  elders  not  asking 
for  work  from  said  committee. 

5.  The  stationing  committee  shall  have  at  least  two 
meetings  before  its  work  is  completed. 

Appeal  from  Stationing  Committee^s  Report. 

6.  If  any  of  the  preachers  thus  stationed,  or  any  who 
may  not  receive  an  appointment,  are  dissatisfied,  tHey 
shall  have  a  right  to  appeal  to  the  annual  conference. 
If  two-thirds  grant  the  appeal,  the  decision  shall  be  final. 
In  case  of  an  appeal  from  the  decision  of  the  stationing 
committee,  no  preacher  stationed  by  said  committee 
shall  be  changed,  without  his  consent,  to  accommodate 
the  preacher  making  such  appeal.  In  no  case  shall 
preachers  be  permitted  to  exchange  charges,  except  in 
the  manner  provided  for  in  paragraph  10  of  Section  ^^I. 
of  Chapter  VI.,  page  52. 

Report  of  Stationing  Committee. 

7.  The  report  of  the  stationing  committee  shall  be 
read  at  least  six  hours  before  the  adjournment  of  confer- 
ence. 

Employment  of  Other  Preachers. 

8.  Should  there  not  be  enough  itinerants  to  supply  all 
the  circuits,  stations,  and  missions,  the  remaining  charges 
shall  be  supplied  by  the  stationing  committee  or  presid- 
ing elders. 

Pastoral  Charges. 

9.  A  circuit  or  station  shall  not  consist  of  any  specific 
number  of  members  or  appointments;  but  when  the 
annual  conference  judges  it  able  to  support  a  minister, 
it  may  be  so  recognized. 

10.  The  pastor  shall  have  full  control  of  his  pulpit, 
and  no  board  of  trustees  shall  permit  any  one  to  preach 
therein  without  his  consent. 


ITINERANCY  61 

Section  II. 

DUTIES  OF  ITINERANTS. 

1.  It  is  the  duty  of  an  itinerant  preacher  to  take  the 
charge  assigned  him,  and  to  move  to  it  if  practicable. 

2.  He  sliall  visit  regularly  the  appointments  on  his 
charge,  preach  to  the  people,  and  hold  class-meetings 
whenever  practicable,  and  whenever  possible  organize 
and  maintain  young  people's  Christian  societies. 

Bcvision  of  Church  Becords. 

3.  He,  in  connection  with  the  leader  and  steward  or 
stewards  of  each  class, — on  stations,  in  connection  with 
the  official  board, —  shall  at  least  one  month  before  annual 
conference  revise  the  church  records.  The  duties  of  the 
committee  on  revision  shall  be  essentially  clerical,  and 
the  name  of  no  member  shall  be  erased  from  the  records 
unless  the  disciplinary  steps  provided  for  in  Chapter  IV., 
Section  II.,  paragraph  L7,  and  Chapter  V.,  Section  II., 
paragraph  3,  shall  haA^e  been  taken. 


ph  3,  shall  have  been  taken.  /D    «  «      /fl 
T  Annual  Reorganizaticm,. 

I 


4.  He,  in  connection  with  the  leader  and  steward  or 
stewards  of  each  class, — on  stations,  in  connection  with 
the  official  board, —  shall,  at  the  time  when  the  records 
are  revised,  appoint  a  steward  or  stewards,  subject  to  the 
approval  of  the  class.  He  shall  hold  a  meeting  of  the 
class  and  see  that  a  class-leader  is  elected. 


i 


Presiding  at  Trials.  ^ 

5.  He  shall  sit  as  president  at  the  trial  of  members  and  I 
see  that  a  correct  account  of  the  same  is  kept. 

Reports. 

6.  He  shall  render  a  strict  account  (as  indicated  in 
Form  15,  page  167  )  of  his  work  at  each  quarterly  confer- 
ence, where  he  is  to  be  held  accountable  for  neglect  of 
duty. 

Circulation  of  Literature. 

7.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  use  every  laudable  effort  to 
oirculate  our  books  and  Church  periodicals,  and  to  use  due 


62  DISCIPLINE 

diligence  to  advance  the  interests  of  the  Church  Printing 
Establishment. 

8.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  keep  a  list  of  the  names  of  all 
the  subscribers  to  our  Church  periodicals,  and  the  time 
of  subscribing,  at  the  different  appointments  on  his 
charge,  and  hand  it  over  to  his  successor  at  the  annual 
conference,  with  the  list  of  the  appointments.  He  shall 
also  report  the  number  of  subscribers  to  our  periodicals 
on  his  charge  at  each  quarterly  conference,  and  be  ex- 
amined by  the  presiding  elder  and  quarterly  conference 
as  to  whether  he  performs  his  duty  in  circulating  the 
periodicals  of  the  Church  among  the  people. 

Dismissal  of  Appointments. 

9.  A  preacher  is  not  permitted  to  dismiss  any  appoint- 
ment from  his  circuit  or  mission  without  the  consent  of 
the  quarterly  conference. 

liecords. 

I  10.  'fe  shall  procure  a  suitable  book  for  a  church  rec- 
/  ord,  in  which  he  shall  register  all  the  appointments  and 
classes  on  his  circuit,  station,  or  mission,  in  regular  order, 
with  the  name  of  each  member  properly  recorded  in  con- 
nection with  his  own  class.  He  shall  also  make  a  record 
of  all  the  baptisms,  marriages,  deaths,  and  proceedings  of 
church  trials,  with  the  names  of  all  the  parties  in  each 
case.  He  shall  report  this  record  with  the  proceedings 
therein  to  the  last  quarterly  conference  of  each  year  for 
approval  or  improvement.  This  book  shall  be  the  proper- 
ty of  the  quarterly  conference,  and  shall  be  in  addition  to 
the  regular  class-books  and  circuit-books. 

Oeneral  Collections. 


/ 


11.  lit  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  preacher  in  charge  of  a 
field  of  labor  to  collect  the  annual  amount  apportioned  to 
his  charge  for  the  support  of  the  bishops  and  presiding 
elders,  and  also  all  other  conference  assessments.  And 
should  he  fail  to  collect  in  full,  and  not  be  able  to  give  a 
satisfactory  reason  for  such  a  failure,  he  shall  be  account- 
able to  the  annual  conference. 


ITINERANCY  63 

Missionary  Collections. 

12.  He  shall  hold  a  general  missionary  meeting  at 
some  convenient  place  on  his  work.  He  shall  also  preach 
a  missionary  sermon,  and  appoint  a  soliciting  committee 
at  every  appointment,  whose  duty  it  shall  be,  in  conjunc- 
tion with  himself,  to  canvass  the  church  and  community 
personally,  and  solicit  funds  for  the  Missionary  Society. 
He  shall  also  keep  a  list  of  the  names  of  contributors,  as 
far  as  possible,  and  report  the  same  to  conference  for  pub- 
lication with  the  minutes.   He  shall  also  establish  monthly 

I  missionary  prayer-meetings  wherever  practicable  in  the 
I  societies  of  his  charge.  He  shall  be  held  to  strict  account 
\  for  the  faithful  performance  of  these  duties. 

Pastoral  Visiting. 

13.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  preacher  in  charge  of  a 
station  or  circuit  to  give  as  much  of  his  time  as  possible 
to  visiting  the  families  under  his  charge,  and  to  pay 
strict  attention  to  the  young  members  under  his  care.  This 
private  work  of  visiting  from  house  to  house  and  exhort- 
ing the  people  is  foundM  on  these  solemn  words  of  the 
apostle  :  "I  kept  back  nothing  that  was  profitable  unto 
you,  but  have  showed  you,  and  have  taught  you  publicly, 
and  fxom  house  to  house"  (Acts  20:  20). 

Home  Training  of  Children. 

14.  Because  of  the  powerful  and  far-reaching  influence 
of  home  life  upon  the  young,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  each 
pastor  to  direct  the  attention  of  his  people  to  the  vital 
importance  of  family  government  and  Christian  nurture. 
He  shall  do  this  publicly  and  privately  by  directing  atten- 
tion to  books  and  periodicals  giving  helpful  instruction 
upon  this  subject,  and  also  by  presenting  in  his  public 
ministrations  the  teaching  of  God's  word  respecting  the 
duty  of  parents  to  train  up  their  children  in  the  nurture 
and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 

Evangelistic  Work. 

15.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  all  preachers,  whether  local 
or  itinerant,  to  make  every  laudable  effort  to  enlarge  the 


64  DISCIPLINE 

borders  of  our  Zion,  to  spread  scriptural  holiness,  and  to 
report  to  their  respective  annual  conferences  the  number 
of  new  appointments  established. 

Section  HE. 

PREACHERS'   SAIiABIES. 

1.  The  salary  of  a  pastor  shall  be  such  amount  as  may 
be  agreed  upon  between  him  and  the  quarterly  conference 
of  the  field  of  labor  to  which  he  is  sent;  and  said  agree- 
ment shall  be  a  valid  contract  between  the  parties  there- 

I  to.     When  a  charge  owns  a  parsonage,  or  rents  a  house 

j  for  the  pastor  to  live  in,  the  charge  shall  have  credit  for 

the  same  by  the  pastor  reporting  as  so  much  salary  the 

amount  the  parsonage  would  rent  for  or  the  amount  paid 

for  the  rented  house. 

2.  A  missionary  employed  by  the  Board  of  Missions 
shall  receive  such  salary  as  in  the  judgment  of  the  Board 
may  be  proper. 

Superannuated  PreacMra, 

3.  Preachers  sustaining  a  superannuated  relation,  and 
the  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  ministers,  shall  be 
provided  for  by  their  respective  annual  conferences,  as 
their  wants  may  require. 

Parsonage  and  Moving  of  Preacher. 

4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  a  circuit  or  station,  when  a 
preachei  is  sent  to  it  by  an  annual  conference,  to  provide 
a  house  and  move  the  preacher  at  its  own  expense. 


CHAPTER  Vm. 

DEACONESSES. 

1.  The  duties  of  a  deaconess  are  to  minister  to  the 
poor,  visit  the  sicl?:  and  dying,  pray  with  and  otherwise 
comfort  them,  care  for  the  orphan,  comfort  the  sorrow- 
ing, seek  to  save  tlie  lost,  solicit  funds  for  the  above  pur- 
poses, and  relinquishing  wholly  all  other  pursuits,  to 
devote  herself  to  such  forms  of  Christian  labor  as  may  be 
suited  to  her  abilities. 

2.  Any  annual  conference  within  the  bounds  of  which 
deaconesses  may  be  employed,  shall  provide  a  conference 
board,  by  election,  at  least  three  of  whom  shall  be  women, 
this  board  to  have  control  of  this  form  of  work,  and  re- 
port annually  to  the  conference.  This  board  shall  be 
empowered  to  issue  a  certificate  to  such  as  are  twenty  or 
more  years  of  age,  who  have  been  recommended  by  the 
quarterly  conference  to  perform  the  duties  of  deaconesses 
in  connection  with  the  church. 

3.  A  deaconess  shall  be  at  liberty  to  relinquish  her 
position  as  such  at  any  time.  When  working  singly, 
each  deaconess  shall  be  under  the  direction  of  the  pastor 
of  the  church  with  which  she  is  connected.  When  associ- 
ated together  in  a  home,  all  the  members  of  the  home 
shall  labor  under  the  direction  of  its  superintendent. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

COURSES  OF   READING  AND   STUDY. 

►Section  I. 

QUARTERLY-CONFERENCE  PREACHERS. 

1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  person  receiving  a  quar- 
terly-conference license  to  preach  to  pursue  the  following 
course  of  study : 

First  Year. 
English  Grammar. 
United  Brethren  Handbook  —  Shuey. 
The  Bible  :  The  Sunday-School  Text-Book— Holbom. 
Leading  Facts  of  American  History — Montgomery. 
-  Studies  m  the  Four  Gospels  — Hurlbut. 
United  Brethren  Discipline. 

BOOKS  TO  BE  READ. 

Life  of  Otterbehi  — Drury. 

The  Family  —  Bookwalter.  ' 

Second  Year. 

The  Verbalist  —  Ayers. 
General  History  —  Barnes. 
Outline  Bible  Studies  — Dunning. 
Seven  Laws  of  Teaching  —  Gregory. 
Theological  Compend  —  Steele's  Binney. 
The  Confession  of  Faith  — Weaver. 
Bible  History  —  Blaikie. 
Handbook  of  Composition — Hart. 

TO  BE  READ. 

Life  of  Edwards — Davis. 

Examinations. 

2.  The  presiding  elder,  or  a  committee  appointed  by 
him,  shall  hold  examinations  each  year  in  the  books 


COURSES  OF  READING  AND  STUDY  67 

studied.  A  quarterly-conference  licentiate  is  permitted 
to  complete  the  entire  course  in  one  year.  But  should 
he  fail  to  complete  the  course  within  four  years  his 
license  shall  not  be  subject  to  renewal.  He  is  required 
to  complete  the  quarterly-conference  course  of  study 
before  being  admitted  to  the  annual  conference. 

Permanent  License. 
3.  Any  one  completing  the  above  course  of  study  and 
passing  satisfactory  examinations  in  the  same,  may  re- 
ceive a  license  certifying  to  that  fact,  and  not  requiring 
annual  renewal,  so  long  as  his  teaching  is  conformable  to 
the  doctrines  of  Christ,  as  held  by  our  Church,  and  his 
deportment  is  in  harmony  with  the  requirements  of  our 
Discipline. 

Section  II. 

ANNUAL-CONFERENCE  PREACHERS. 

Examinations. 

1.  A  licentiate  preacher  is  to  be  examined  in  the  sub- 
joined course  of  study  by  the  annual  conference  to  which 
he  belongs.  The  examinations  shall  be  in  writing,  and 
graded  on  a  scale  of  100,  an  average  of  70  being  required. 

2.  To  assist  and  encourage  licentiates  in  their  studies, 
and  also  for  the  purpose  of  securing  greater  vmiformity 
and  efficiency  in  the  examinations,  the  following  plan 
shall  be  pursued:  The  faculty  of  Union  Biblical  Sem- 
inary shall  each  year  prepare  a  list  of  from  fifty  to 
two  hundred  questions  on  each  subject  of  study,  as  the 
subject  may  require,  and  shall  accompany  the  same 
with  such  helpful  suggestions  as  they  may  deem  best. 
These  questions  shall  be  printed  by  the  Publishing  House, 
as  are  other  official  papers,  and  shall  be  distributed  by  the 
bishops  at  the  annual  conferences  to  the  licentiates  and 
the  examining  committees  at  the  beginning  of  each 
year's  study.  The  committees  on  course  of  study  shall 
select,  without  the  knowledge  of  the  licentiates,  ten  or 
more  of  these  questions  on  each  subject  for  examination, 
the  examination  always  being  conducted  in  the  presence 
of  one  or  more  of  the  examining  committee.    Each  licen- 


68  DISCIPLINE 

tiate  shall  also  present  a  written  sermon  or  essay  in  con- 
nection with  the  examination. 

First  Year. 
Study  of  the  Bible  by  Books.    New  Testament — Sell. 
New  Acts  of  the  Apostles  — Pierson. 
Art  of  Reading  and  Speaking — Fleming. 
United  Brethren  Church  History,  Part  I.— Berger. 
Homiletics— The  Preacher  and  His  Sermon,  Parts  I., 
IT.— Etter. 
Manual  of  Discipline  —  Kephart. 
Christian  Doctrine  — ^  Weaver. 

BOOKS   TO  BE  READ. 

With  Christ  in  the  School  of  Prayer— Murray. 
Miracles  of  Missions  —  Pierson. 
Life  of  Glossbrenner — Drury. 

Second  Year. 

Systematic  Theology,  Vol.  I.—  Miley. 

Study  of  the  Bible  by  Books.     Old  Testament— Sell. 

Homiletics — The  Preacher  and  His  Sermon,  Parts  IH., 
IV.— Etter. 

United  Brethren  Church  History,  Parts  II.,  III.,  IV.— 
Berger. 

Extemporaneous  Preaching  —  Buckley. 

Jevon's  Logic  —  Hill. 

Manual  of  Christian  Evidences  — Fisher. 

Exegetical  Studies  —  Galatiaus,  Gospel  of  John. 

BOOKS  TO  BE  READ. 

New  Era  —  Strong. 

Abraham;  or,  The  Obedience  of  Faith  —  Meyer. 

Third   Year. 
Systematic  Theology,  Vol.  II.— Miley. 
Psychology  —  Hill. 
Pastoral  Theology  —  Shedd. 
Exegetical  Studies  — Exodus,  Hebrews. 
Recent  Researches  in  Bible  Lands  —  Hilprecht. 
Church  History  —  Fisher. 
Butler's  Analogy  — Malcom. 
Principles  of  Ethics — Porter. 


COURSES  OF  READtNG  AND  STUDY  69 

BOOKS  TO  BE  READ. 

Mosaic  Authoi'ship  of  the  Pentateuch  —  MacDill. 
Social  Aspects  of  Christianity — Ely. 
The  Spiritual  Life — Murray. 

BOOKS  RECOMMENDED. 

Church  History — Schaff. 
Antiquities  of  the  Jews  —  Josephus. 
History  of  Christian  Doctrine  —  Sheldon. 
Grounds  of  Theistic  and  Christian  Belief—  Fisher. 
History  of  the  Reformation  —  Fisher. 
Historical  Geography  of  the  Holy  Land — Smith. 
Biblical  Hermeneutics — Terry. 

Theological  Encyclopedia  and  Methodology  —  Crooks 
and  Hurst. 
Encyclopedia  of  Religious  Knowledge  —  Schaff-Herzog. 
Political  Economy  —  Ely. 
Great  Missionaries  of  the  Church — Creegan  and  Good- 


Section  hi. 
german  course  of  reading. 
Quarterly- Conference  Preachers. 

FIRST  YEAR. 

Doctrines. —  The  presence  of  God,  the  personality  of 
God,  the  Trinity,  the  creation,  the  fall  of  man. 

Books. —  The  Bible,  Discipline  of  the  United  Brethren 
Church,  "Christlich-Apostolisches  Glaubens-Bekennt- 
niss,"  by  W.  Nast,  "  Christologische  Betrachtungen,"  by 
W.  Nast. 

SECOND  YEAR. 

Doctrines. —  The  corruption  of  mankind,  repentance, 
faith,  justification,  regeneration,  witness  of  the  Spirit, 
eanctificatiou,  possibility  of  falling  from  grace. 

£ooA:s.— The  Bible,  Church  Discipline,  Hare's  '-Recht- 
fertigung  durch  den  Glauben,"  D'Aubign^'s  "  Reforma- 
tious-Geschichte,"  "Bekampfung  des  Unglaubens,"  by 
Christ!  ieb. 


70  DISCIPLINE 

Annual- Conference   Preachers, 

FIRST    YEAR. 

Doctrines.— ^\ie  being  and  attributes  of  God,  the 
Trinity,  the  creation,  the  doctrine  of  the  angels,  the  doc- 
trine of  mankind,  man  in  the  image  of  God,  the  fall  and 
the  corruption. 

Books. —  The  Bible;  Church  Discipline;  Sulzberger's 
'"Glaubenslehre"— First  Part;  Luthardt's  "Apologetische 
Vortrage" — First  Part;  Dr.  Joseph  Beck's  "Grundriss  der 
Empirischen  Psychologic" ;  Kurtz's  Text-Book  on  Sacred 
History ;  Berger's  Church  History  of  the  United  Brethren ; 
Nippert's  "Praktische  Theologie";  Grammatik,  Heise's 
"Leitfaden— Die  Wortlehre"  ;  written  sermon  on  the 
Sabbath. 

SECOND  YEAR. 

Doctrines. — The  doctrines  of  Jesus  Christ,  doctrine  of 
the  personality  and  divinity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  doctrine 
of  the  salvation  of  man,  conviction,  repentance,  faith, 
justification,  regeneration,  sanctification,  possibility  of 
falling  from  grace. 

^ooA;s.— The  Bible;  Church  Discipline;  Sulzberger's 
*'Glaubenslehre"  —  Second  Part;  Luthardt's  "Apologet- 
ische  Vortrage  " — Second  Part;  Weber's  "Einleitung  in 
die  Heiligen  Schriften";  "Das  Christliche  Heilsleben," 
by  P .  F.  Paulus ;  Bishop  Hurst's  Church  History  ;  Ditt- 
mar's  "  Welt-Geschichte "  — First  Part;  Grammatik, 
Heise's  "Leitfaden— Die  Satzlehre";  written  sermon  on 
repentance  and  faith. 

THIRD  YEAR. 

Doctrines. — The  sacraments — baptism  and  the  Lord's 
supper,  the  immortality  of  the  soul,  the  resurrection  of 
the  body,  the  future  general  judgment,  everlasting  re- 
wards, and  everlasting  punishment. 

Books. —  The  Bible;  Church  Discipline;  Sulzberger's 
"  Glaubenslehre  " — Third  Pai't;  the  Immortality  of  the 
Soul,  by  F.  L.  Nagler ;  D'Aubign^'s  "Reformations- 
Geschichte";  H.  Dittmar's  "  Wei t-Geschichte"  — Second 
Part;  Heise's  Grammatik  — Wiederholung;W.  Sommer's 
"  Aufsatzlehre  " ;  written  sermon  on  baptism. 


COURSES  OF  READING  AND  STUDY  71 

BOOKS    RECOMMENDED. 

Jellinghaus's  "  Das  Vollige  Heil,"  and  C.  H.  Spurgeon's 
"  Wiuke  fiir  Prediger,"  oder  23  Voiiesungen. 

Section  IV. 

COMPLETING  THE  COURSE. 

1.  Each  licentiate  is  expected  to  complete  the  pre- 
scribed course  within  three  years,  unless  good  reasons 
exist  for  delay. 

2.  Should  an  3'  licentiate  fail  to  complete  the  course 
within  five  years,  he  may  be  referred  to  his  quarterly 
conference. 

Seminary  Graduates. 

3.  Any  licentiate  who  has  completed  tlie  fall  course 
of  study  in  Union  Biblical  Seminary,  and  has  passed  the 
examinations  entitling  him  to  a  diploma  from  that  insti- 
tution, may  be  excused  from  examinations  in  the  an- 
nual-conference course  of  stud5^ 

Section  V. 

PREPARATION  FOR  THE   MINISTRY. 

We  urge  upon  all  w^ho  contemplate  giving  themselves 
to  the  gospel  ministry  the  vital  importance  of  completing 
a  course  of  study  in  some  one  of  our  institutions  of  learn- 
ing, and,  in  addition,  a  course  in  Union  Biblical  Seminary. 
In  exceptional  cases,  wherein  circumstances  absolutely 
forbid  such  preparation,  there  should  be  the  utmost  diU- 
gence  given  to  well-advised  reading  and  study  in  order  to 
successful  work  in  the  ministiy.  "Study  to  show  thy- 
self approved  unto  God,  a  workman  that  needeth  not  to 
be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word  of  truth." 


CHAPTER  X. 
APPEALS. 
Section  I. 

FROM  THE  DECISION  OF  A  CLASS. 

Should  any  member  be  dissatisfied  witli  the  decision 
of  a  church  or  class,  or  committee  of  a  church  or  class,  an 
appeal  may  be  had  to  the  next  quarterly  conference  by 
giving  notice  thereof  to  the  preacher  in  charge,  or  the 
secretary  of  the  trial,  within  thirty  days  after  said  trial, 
together  with  the  reasons  for  such  appeal ;  and  it  shall  be 
the  duty  of  the  secretary  to  furnish  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence with  a  certified  copy  of  the  proceedings  of  the  trial 
and  of  the  notice  of  the  appeal. 

Section  II. 

FROM  THE  DECISION  OF  A  QUARTERLY  CONFERENCE. 

Any  exhorter  or  preacher  dissatisfied  with  the  decision 
of  a,  quarterly  conference  may  appeal  to  the  ensuing  an- 
nual conference,  within  thirty  days  after  the  quarterly 
conference,  by  giving  notice  to  the  secretary,  in  writing, 
of  his  intention  to  appeal,  together  with  his  reasons  for  so 
doing;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  secretary  to  furnish 
a  certified  copy  of  the  proceedings,  the  notification,  and 
reasons  assigned,  to  the  annual  conference. 

Section  III. 

COURT  OF  APPEALS. 

1.  Any  member  of  an  annual  conference,  when  dis- 
satisfied with  the  decision  thereof,  shall  have  a  right  to 
appeal  to  a  judicial  court,  which  shall  be  constituted  and 
governed  as  hereinafter  stated. 

2.  Each  annual  conference,  at  the  first  session  subse- 

72 


APPEALS  .  73 

quent  to  the  session  of  the  General  Conference,  shall 
elect  by  ballot  two  members  of  the  court,  who  shall  hold 
office  for  four  consecutive  years. 

3.  In  case  of  an  appeal  from  an  annual  conference  in 
form  and  manner  hereinafter  set  forth,  the  presiding 
bishop  of  said  conference  shall,  at  such  time  and  place  as 
he  may  determine,  call  together  nine  of  the  members  of 
the  court  most  accessible  to  the  conference  from  which 
the  appeal  is  taken,  who,  thus  called  together,  shall  con- 
stitute an  appellate  court  to  hear  and  determine  said 
appeal. 

4.  This  court  shall  organize  by  electing  a  chairman 
and  some  competent  person  as  secretary. 

5.  The  secretary  shall  receive  and  hold  all  papers  and 
records  pertaining  to  said  appeal,  subject  to  the  order  of 
the  chairman ;  keep  a  true  record  of  all  proceedings  of 
said  court,  and  certify  the  decision  thereof  to  the  annual 
conference  from  which  the  appeal  is  taken,  and  also  to 
the  appellant. 

6.  Seven  of  these  members  shall  be  necessary  to  con- 
stitute a  quorum,  and  five  must  agree  on  a  verdict ; 
except  that  in  isolated  conferences  a  quorum  may  consist 
of  five  only. 

7.  The  decision  of  this  court  shall  in  all  cases  be  final, 
except  when  the  objections  are  taken  on  the  ground  that 
the  proceedings  were  irregular  in  the  application  of  law, 
and  said  objections  are  entered  before  the  verdict  of  the 
court  is  announced.  In  case  of  appeal  from  the  court 
under  this  clause,  the  appellant  must  give  notice  within 
thirty  days  to  the  secretary  of  the  court,  who  shall  send  a 
copy  of  all  proceedings  in  said  case  to  the  General  Con- 
ference. 

8.  In  case  of  an  appeal  from  the  decision  of  an  annual 
conference,  the  appellant  nmst  give  written  notice  to  the 
secretary  of  said  conference,  setting  forth  both  his  inten- 
tion to  appeal  and  the  reasons  for  so  doing. 

9.  On  receipt  of  a  notice  of  appeal,  the  secretary  of  the 
conference  shall  immediately  notify  the  presiding  bishop, 
and,  on  notice  from  said  bishop,  transmit  a  copy  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  conference  in  said  case  to  said  court. 


74  DISCIPLINE 

10.  The  necessary  expenses  incurred  in  the  assembling 
of  said  court  shall  be  provided  for  by  the  party  taking 
the  appeal  if  he  is  the  losing  party ;  if  he  gains  it,  the 
annual  conference  in  which  the  appeal  is  made  shall  pro- 
vide for  the  expenses. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

SECEDING  MEMBERS. 
SPECIAL  ENACTMENT. 

Persons  representing  themselves  as  members  of  the 
Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  and  being  in- 
subordinate to  the  General  Conference,  and  refusing  to 
obey  the  order  and  discipline  of  the  Church,  as  provided 
by  the  General  Conference,  shall  be  dealt  with  as  fol- 
lows: 

1.  In  case  a  presiding  elder  shall  be  suspended,  or  ex- 
pelled, or  shall  withdraw  from  the  Church  by  joining 
another  denomination,  or  connect  himself  with  the 
minority  body  which  seceded  from  the  General  Confer- 
ence at  York,  Pa.,  May  13,  1889,  and  formed  a  new  organ- 
ization, it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  presiding  bishop  of 
the  district  to  appoint  a  successor  to  said  presiding  elder, 
and  require  him  to  take  charge  of  the  district  forth- 
with. 

2.  If  the  offender  be  a  pastor,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  presiding  elder  of  the  district  to  appoint  a  successor, 
and  require  him  to  occupy  said  charge  forthwith. 

3.  If  the  offender  be  a  member  of  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence, either  minister  or  layman,  he  shall  be  declared  by 
the  presiding  elder  as  having  irregularly  withdrawn  from 
the  Church,  and  his  name  shall  be  erased  from  the  roll  of 
the  quarterly  conference. 

4.  If  the  offender  be  a  private  member  who  has  irregu- 
larly withdrawn  from  the  Church  by  joining  the  said 
seceding  organization,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  pastor 
to  report  the  fact  to  the  congregation  and  correct  the  roll 
of  church  membership. 

5.  In  the  opening  and  organization  of  an  annual  con- 
ference or  mission  district,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  pre- 
siding bishop  to  require  the  officer  or  member  who  calls 

75 


76  DISCIPLINE 

the  roll  to  record,  as  having  irregularly  withdrawn,  the 
names  of  those  who  have  connected  themselves  with  said 
seceding  party. 

6.  The  foregoing  regulations  shall  be  considered  as 
applying  to  all  cases  of  insubordination  to  the  rules  and 
requirements  of  the  Discipline  of  the  Church ;  provided, 
that  if  any  person  or  persons  thus  affiliating,  or  thus 
insubordinate,  shall,  within  a  reasonable  time,  manifest  a 
desire  to  return  to  their  former  allegiance  to  the  Church, 
they  may,  with  the  consent  of  the  local  church,  be  rein- 
stated. 


PART  III. 
Moral  Reform. 
chapter  xii. 

SPECIAL  RULES. 
Section  I. 

TEMPERANCE. 

Intoxicating  Drinks. 

1.  The  distilling,  vending,  and  using  of  intoxicating 
drinks  as  a  beverage  are  forbidden  throughout  our 
Church,  as  are  also  the  renting  and  leasing  of  property  to 
be  used  for  the  manufacture  or  sale  of  such  drinks,  as  is 
also  the  signing  of  petitions  for  granting  license,  or  the 
entering  as  bondsmen  for  persons  engaged  in  the  traffic 
in  intoxicating  drinks ;  and  should  any  of  our  members 
or  preachers  be  found  guilty  in  these  respects,  they  shall 
be  dealt  with  as  in  the  case  of  other  immoralities;  pro- 
vided, however,  that  this  rule  shall  not  be  so  construed  as 
to  prevent  druggists  and  others  from  the  vending  or 
using  of  alcohol  for  medicinal  or  mechanical  purposes. 

2.  The  fourth  Sabbath  in  November  of  each  year  shall 
be  observed  as  Temperance  Day. 

Tobacco. 

3.  We  believe  that  the  use  of  tobacco  in  any  form  is 
injurious  to  health,  and  a  needless  waste  of  money  which 
could  and  should  be  otherwise  applied  ;  and  we  kindly 
advise  all  our  members  to  abstain  from  its  use. 

Section  II. 

SABBATH  observance. 

As  the  Sabbath  day  is  ordained  of  God  as  a  day  of 
physical  rest  and  of  spiritual  improvement,  and  as  the 

77 


78  DISCIPMNE 

perpetuity  of  our  civil  and  religious  institutions  demands 
its  proper  observance,  therefore,  the  Church  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,  in  view  of  the  growing  tendency  to 
disregard  God's  command  to  "remember  the  Sabbath 
day  to  keep  it  holy,"  earnestly  counsels  all  its  members 
to  abstain  from  everything  that  does  not  contribute  in 
the  highest  degree  to  their  spiritual  growth;  and  we 
advise  our  ministers  and  general  officers  of  the  Church 
to  be  examples  to  the  flock  over  which  the  Holy  Ghost 
hath  made  them  overseers. 

Section  in. 

SLAVERY. 

All  slavery,  in  every  sense  of  the  word,  is  totally  pro- 
hibited, and  shall  in  no  way  be  tolerated  in  our  Church.  ^ 

Section  IV. 

SECRET  COMBINATIONS. 

1.  A  secret  combination  is  a  secret  league  or  confeder- 
ation of  persons  holding  principles  and  laws  at  variance 
wifti  the  word  of  God  and  injurious  to  Christian  char- 
acter, as  evidenced  in  individual  life,  and  infringing  upon 
the  natural,  social,  political,  or  religious  rights  of  those 
outside  its  pale. 

2.  Any  member  or  minister  of  our  Church  found  in 
connection  with  such  combination  shall  be  dealt  with  as 
in  other  cases  of  disobedience  to  the  order  and  discipline 
of  the  Church ;  in  case  of  members,  as  found  in  Chapter 
rV.,  Section  III.,  and  in  case  of  ministers,  as  found  in 
Chapter  VI.,  Section  IX. 

Section  V. 

OATHS. 

We  believe  that  the  mode  of  testifying  to  the  truth 
when  required  so  to  do  in  a  legal  form,  by  way  of  affirm- 
ation, is  on  us  solemnly,  conscientiously,  and  fully  bind- 
ing, before  God,  to  tell  the  truth,  the  whole  truth,  and 
nothing  but  the  truth. 

1  This  law,  in  its  essential  character,  was  adopted  by  the  Gen- 
eral Conference  in  1821,  Bishops  Newcomer  and  Zeller  presiding. 


MORAL.  REFORM  79 

Section  VI. 

WAR. 

We  most  positively  record  our  disapproval  of  engaging 
involuntary  national  aggressive  warfare;  yet  we  recog- 
nize the  rightful  authority  of  the  civil  government,  and 
hold  it  responsible  for  the  preservation  and  defense  of  our 
national  conapact,  against  treason  or  invasion  by  any 
belligerent  force,  and  we  believe  it  to  be  entirely  con- 
sistent with  the  spirit  of  Christianity  to  bear  arms  when 
called  upon  to  do  so  by  the  properly  constituted  authori- 
ties of  our  government  for  its  preservation  and  defense. 

Section  VII. 

THE  MARRIAGE  RELATION. 

1.  We  believe  that  the  marriage  relation  is  of  divine 
authority ;  that  it  is  the  mutual  union  of  one  man  and 
one  woman;  that  the  obligation  is  most  sacred,  and 
morally  binding  as  long  as  both  shall  live,  and  therefore 
cannot  be  dissolved  at  will,  nor  should  it  be  by  a  decree 
of  a  civil  tribunal,  except  on  evidence  that  one  party  is 
guilty  of  adultery. 

2.  On  positive  evidence  of  such  guilt  the  innocent 
party  is  freed  from  further  matrimonial  obligations  and 
justly  entitled  to  a  divorce. 

3.  We  deny  the  right  of  marriage,  by  virtue  of  a 
divorce  obtained  for  other  causes  than  adultery  on  the 
part  of  the  person  from  whom  the  divorce  is  obtained, 
and  therefore  the  right  of  the  guilty  party  to  remarry. 

4.  Any  person  sustaining  a  married  relation  contrary 
to  that  above  recognized  as  justifiable  shall  be  ineligible 
to  the  office  of  the  ministry  in  this  Church. 

5.  Any  minister  of  this  Church  who  shall  knowingly 
solemnize  the  marriage  of  two  persons,  either  of  whom 
has  been  divorced  for  other  than  the  above  justifiable 
cause,  shall  be  amenable  to  the  Church  for  disobedience 
to  the  order  thereof. 


PART  IV. 

Property. 

CHAPTER  xni. 

CHURCH  HOUSES  AND  PARSONAGES. 

Appointing  Trustees. 

1.  Whenever  it  is  contemplated  to  purchase  or  build  a 
church  house  or  parsonage,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  any 
member  to  make  it  known  to  the  quarterly  conference  of 
the  circuit  or  station  to  which  he  belongs.  The  quarterly 
conference  shall  then  appoint  a  judicious  board  of  trus- 
tees of  not  less  than  three  pei'sons,  or  as  the  law  of  the 
State  may  require;  provided,  hawever,  that  at  least  a 
majoritj'  of  said  board  shall  be  members  of  the  Church  of 
the  United  Brethren  in  Christ.  The  trustees  shall  hold 
their  office  during  the  pleasure  of  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence; and  if  'dnj  member  of  the  board  shall  absent  him- 
self from  the  meetings  of  the  board  for  one  j^ear,  without 
good  and  sufficient  cause,  his  seat  may  be  declared 
vacant,  and  another  elected  to  fill  t\iQ  vacancy. 

Vacancies. 

2.  When  vacancies  occur  in  a  board  of  trustees  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  quarterly  conference  to  appoint  suit- 
able persons  to  fill  such  vacancies,  and  to  see  that  the 
records  of  the  county  wherein  such  board  may  reside 
shall  correspond  with  the  facts  in  the  case,  according  as 
the  law  of  the  State  may  require,  after  such  vacancies 
have  been  filled. 

Duties  of  Trustees. 

3.  The  trustees  shall  meet  annually,  or  oftener  if  need 
be,  and  shall  elect  from  their  number  the  following  offi- 

6  81 


82  DISCIPLINE 

cers ;  namely,  a  president,  secretary,  and  treasurer.  Meet- 
ings may  be  called  by  the  president  or  by  two  other 
members  of  the  board. 

4.  The  secretary  shall  keep  a  correct  record  of  all 
business  transactions  of  the  board  in  a  book  provided  for 
that  purpose,  which  shall  at  all  times  be  open  for  the  in- 
spection of  the  official  board  and  the  quarterly  conference, 
as  well  as  of  the  board  of  trustees. 

5.  The  treasurer  shall  receive  all  funds  of  the  board 
for  church-house,  cemeterj^,  or  parsonage  purposes,  and 
pay  out  the  same  under  the  direction  of  the  board,  on 
regularly  drawn  orders  signed  by  the  president  and  secre- 
tary, and  report  the  financial  condition  at  their  several 
meetings,  and  to  the  quarterly  conference  at  least  once 
each  year. 

6.  No  board  of  trustees  shall  begin  the  building  of  a 
church  house  or  parsonage  without  first  submitting  their 
plans  and  estimates  of  lot,  or  lots,  and  building  to  the 
official  board  or  quarterly  conference  for  consideration, 
approval,  and  directions.  Nor  shall  they  proceed  to  buy 
or  build  without  first  procuring  an  incorporation  of  their 
board,  such  as  the  State  requires,  nor  without  securing 
and  recording  a  warranty  deed,  prepared  by  the  Church- 
Erection  Society,  to  themselves  and  their  successors  in 
olflce  for  the  real  estate  which  they  purchase,  nor  until 
they  have  the  necessary  means  either  in  hand  or  suffi- 
ciently assured,  thus  securing  harmony  of  action  and 
avoiding  the  encumbering  of  our  houses  of  worship  and 
parsonages  with  embarrassing  debts. 

7.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  of  trustees  to  takd^ 
charge  of  all  the  church  property,  employ  janitors,  fur-W 

1)  nish  light  and  fuel,  keep  the  property  insured,  and  loolai 
J  carefully  after  other  wants  from  time  to 'time.  f} 

'  8.  For  the  raising  of  funds  for  extraordinary  expenses, 
such  as  building  churches,  or  making  extensive  reimirs, 
or  paying  large  debts,  the  trustees  may  devise  such 
measures  as  may  be  deemed  best,  and  report  the  same 
to  the  official  l)oard  or  quarterly  conference  for  api)roval 
and  cooperation. 


CHURCH   HOUSES  AND  PARSONAGES  83 

Sale  and  Rent  of  Church  Houses  and  Parsonages. 

9.  The  quarterly  conference  may  authorize  a  board 
of  trustees  to  lease,  rent,  or  sell  church  or  parsonage  prop- 
erty within  its  jurisdiction;  provided,  however,  that  said 
proceeds  shall  be  used  in  purchasing,  repairing,  or  build- 
ing new  church  or  parsonage  property  within  its  l)ounds, 
except  the  interest  or  rents  accruing  from  parsonage 
proj^erty,  whicli  may  be  applied  to  pay  rent  on  the  house 
occupied  by  a  pastor. 

Conditions  of  Mortgages  and  Liens. 

10.  No  board  of  trustees,  annual  or  quarterly  confer- 
ence, or  members  of  any  local  church,  shall  have  power 
to  mortgage  or  to  place  a  lien  of  any  kind  ow  real  estate 
of  the  Ignited  Brethren  in  Christ,  excex)t  for  the  purchase 
of  such  real  estate,  or  the  erection  of  necessary  buildings, 
or  for  repairing,  or  otherwise  improving  the  same. 

Abandoned  Church  Houses, 

11 .  When  a  house  of  worship  outside  of  the  jurisdiction 
of  any  quarterly  conference  ceases  to  be  used  by  our  own 
people  for  preaching  or  other  religious  purposes,  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  presiding  elder  of  the  district  in  which 
such  house  is  located  to  report  to  the  annual  conference, 
which  body  shall  have  power  to  appoint  a  board  of  trus- 
tees, who  shall  rent,  lease,  or  sell  such  house  of  worship, 
as  they  deem  advisable,  and  report  their  proceedings  to 
the  annual  conference,  which  body  shall  have  power  to 
use  the  i^roceeds  to  pay  debts  on  other  houses  of  worship, 
build  new  houses,  or  turn  the  money  into  the  funds  of 
the  Church-Erection  Society,  as  may  seem  proper,  at  its 
own  discretion  ;  provided,  that  in  no  case  shall  a  church 
house  and  its  premises  be  sold  without  the  consent  of  the 
annual  conference  within  whose  bounds  it  is  located. 

A  handoncd  Parsonages. 

12.  Should  any  parsonage  be  permanently  abandoned 
as  such,  the  presiding  elder  of  the  district  in  which  such 
parsonage  is  located  shall  report  the  same  to  the  annual 
conference,  which  body  shall  have  power  to  appoint  a 


84  DIvSCIPLINE 

board  of  trustees,  who  shall  rent  or  sell  such  parsonage, 
and  pay  over  the  proceeds  to  the  annual  conference, 
which  body  shall  expend  the  same  in  paying  debts  on 
other  parsonages,  or  in  building  new  ones  within  its 
borders. 

Transfer  of  Churches. 

13.  When  a  lot  is  deeded  to  an  English  United  Breth- 
ren church,  or  to  a  German  United  Brethren  chm'ch,  and 
one  or  the  other  ceases  to  exist  in  an  organized  form,  by 
deaths,  removals,  expulsions,  or  otherwise,  or  when  a 
majority  of  the  members  of  said  church  shall  decide  to 
change  either  from  the  German  to  the  English,  or  vice 
versa,  then  the  church  remaining  shall  have  full  right  to 
make  such  improvements  or  repairs  on  said  lot  as  may 
be  desirable  for  the  pui^poses  of  worship),  and  shall  be 
entitled  to  peaceable  possession. 

Division  of  Interest. 

14.  In  cases  where  fields  of  labor  having  parsonages 
upon  them  are  divided,  the  disposition  of  said  parsonages 
shall  be  submitted  to  a  board  of  arbiters,  consisting  of 
three  members  of  the  Church,  one  to  be  chosen  by  each 
quarterly  conference,  and  the  third  by  these  two,  to 
whom  the  whole  matter  shall  be  referred,  their  decision 
of  the  case  being  final.  In  cases  where  more  than  i^\o 
quarterly  conferences  are  interested,  the  same  plan  shall 
be  pursued. 

Beal  Estate. 

15.  Real  estate  held  for  church  or  parsonage  purposes 
shall  be  subject  to  the  same  regulations  as  houses  of 
worship  and  parsonages. 

Conference  or  District  Property. 

16.  Where  there  is  no  provision  by  the  laws  of  the 
State  for  the  incorporation  of  religious  organizations,  and 
there  is  property  that  belongs  to  a  district  or  confer- 
ence, such  as  parsonages  for  the  use  of  bishops  or  presid- 
ing elders,  a  conference  or  conferences  may  elect  a  board 
of  trustees,  who  shall  be  members  of  the  Church  of  the 


CHURCH   HOUSES  AND  PARSONAGES  85 

United  Brethren  in  Christ,  and  reside  within  the  district 
or  conference,  who  shall  have  the  right  to  receive  deeds 
to  property  and  power  to  lease,  rent,  or  sell  the  same. 

17.  Any  quarterly  conference  that  has  appointed  trus- 
tees for  a  bishop's  parsonage  shall  fill  all  vacancies  under 
the  direction  of  the  cooperating  conferences. 

Church  Plans. 

18.  The  Church-Erection  Society  shall  provide  plans 
and  specifications  for  church  houses,  which  shall  be  sup- 
plied to  trustees  who  apply,  at  cost. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 
BOARD    OF   CHURCH   TRUSTEES. 

Section  1.  Be  it  ordained  by  the  Genercd  Conference 
of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in.  Christy  That  there 
shall  be  located  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  au  incorporated  Board 
of  Trustees  for  the  Church  of  the  T'nited  Brethren  in 
Christ,  consisting  of  twelve  members,  a  majority  of 
whom  shall  be  citizens  of  Ohio,  elected  by  the  General 
Conference  of  said  Church  for  a  term  of  four  j^ears,  or  until 
their  successors  are  so  elected.  Said  board  shall  be  known 
as  "The  Trustees  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ." 

Sec.  2.  The  organization  of  this  board  shall  be  elBfected 
hy  the  election  of  a  president,  secretar3^,  and  treasurer.  It 
shall  meet  on  the  call  of  the  president  annually,  or  when- 
ever the  president  and  secretary  may  determine.  The 
board  may  elect  an  executive  committee  with  authority 
to  transact  any  necessary  business  in  the  interim  of  the 
board's  sessions,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  board. 

Sec.  3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  to  receive, 
hold  in  trust,  or  apply,  for  the  benefit  of  the  Church  of 
the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  any  and  all  funds,  dona- 
tions, grants,  and  bequests  that  may  be  given,  directed, 
or  conveyed  to  such  board  or  Church  as  such,  for  any  be- 
nevolent purpose  whatever.  All  such  funds  and  the 
proceeds  thereof  shall  be  applied  in  harmony  with  the 
specified  purpose  of  the  donors,  or,  in  the  absence  of 
such  specifications,  as  the  board  may  determine. 

Sec.  4.  The  board  shall  report  quadrennially  to  the 
General  Conference  of  said  Church  all  funds  and  property 
i-eceived  for  the  Church  and  the  disposition  made  of 
the  same,  and  shall  be  answerable  to,  and  under  the 
direction  of,  said  General  Conference. 

Sec,  5.  The  board,  at  its  first  regular  meeting  of  each 
quadrennium,  shall  organize  by  electing  a  president, 
secretary,  and  treasun>r. 


PART  V. 

Institutions  for  Christian  Instruction  and 
Training. 

chapter  xv. 

sabbath  schoot^s. 

For  the  beneflt  of  the  ri.siDg  geiieratiou  and  the  up- 
building of  the  chureli  of  Clirist,  Sabbath  schools  shall  be 
organized  wherever  i)raeticable.  They  sliall  be  organized 
and  conducted  in  harmony  with  the  provisions  following 
in  this  chapter. 

The  general  interests  of  the  Sabbath-school  work  of  the 
Church  shall  be  committed  to  a  Sabbath-school  l)oard, 
cons: sting  of  five  members,  who  shall  be  elected  by  the 
General  Conference  for  a  term  of  four  years,  with  the 
editor  and  associate  editor  of  the  English  Sabbath-school 
literature  as  members  ex  officio.  Three  of  the  five  mem- 
bers to  be  elected  shall  be  residents  of  the  State  of  Ohio. 
This  board  shall  be  governed  l)y  the  following  constitu- 
tion: 

Sectiox  I. 

CONSTITTTTION  OF   GENERAL  SABBATH-SCHOOL   BOARD. 

AriloJe  L 

NAMK. 

This  organization  shall  l)e  known  as  *'The  General 
Sabbath-School  Board  of  tlie  Church  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ." 

Article  11. 

OBJECT. 

The  object  of  this  board  shall  be  to  promote  the  multi- 
plication, growth,  and  efficiency  of  Sabbath  schools  in 

87 


88  DISCIPLINE 

connection  with  our  Church  and  elsewhere,  for  the  gioiy 
of  God  and  the  saving  and  blessing  of  mankind. 

Article  III. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The  board  shall  be  convened  by  the  call  of  the  retiring 
secretaiy,  within  one  month  after  its  election,  and  shall 
organize  by  electing  from  its  own  number  a  president,  a 
recording  secretary,  and  a  treasurer. 

Article  IV. 

MEETINGS. 

The  board  shall  meet  annually  in  the  month  of  April 
or  May,  on  such  daj^  or  days  as  it  may  determine.  Other 
meetings  may  be  held  on  the  call  of  the  president  and 
secretary.  The  members  present  at  any  meeting  shall 
constitute  a  quorum. 

Article  V. 

DUTIES  AND  POWERS. 

1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  this  board  to  take  general 
charge  and  oversight  of  the  Sabbath-school  interests  of 
the  Church,  and  in  carrying  forward  its  work  it  may 
take  such  action  as  in  its  judgment  the  interests  commit- 
ted to  it  may  demand,  provided  that  nothing  shall  be 
done  out  of  harmony  with  the  Discipline  of  the  Church. 

2.  The  board  shall  apportion  to  the  annual  conferences 
an  amount  equal  to  three  cents  per  member,  for  the 
whole  Church,  which  amount  shall  be  apportioned  by 
the  board  to  the  several  annual  conferences  according  to 
their  ability. 

3.  The  board  shall  make  such  provision  for  the  gen- 
eral observance  of  Children's  Day  as  it  may  deem  fit- 
ting, and  shall  receive  the  free-will  offerings  made  on 
that  day. 

4.  The  board  shall  have  full  authority  to  fill  all  vacan- 
cies in  its  membership  between  the  sittings  of  the  Gen- 
eral Conference,  and  shall  make  a  quadrennial  report  to 
the  General  Conference. 

5.  A  committee  shall  be  appointed  annually  which 
shall  audit  the  treasurer's  accounts. 


SABBATH  SCHOOLS  89 

6.  The  board  may  appoint  each  year  a  local  coramit- 
tee  of  three  members,  at  least  two  of  whom  shall  be 
members  of  the  board,  to  act  in  the  intervals  between 
its  meetings;  but  this  committee  shall  not  transact  new 
business. 

7.  The  board  may,  with  the  editors  of  the  Sabbath- 
school  literature,  employ  special  assistance  for  the  pri- 
mary department  of  the  literature  to  the  amount  of  three 
hundred  dollars  per  annum,  such  service  to  be  paid  for 
by  the  Printing  Establishment. 

8.  The  board  shall  define  fully  the  work  and  duties  of 
the  general  secretary. 

Article  VI. 

USE  OF  FUNDS. 

The  funds  of  this  board  shall  be  used  to  assist  in  estab- 
lishing and  maintaining  Sabbath  schools  in  home  and 
foreign  fields  occupied  by  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ, 
bj'  furnishing  such  supplies  as  may  in  their  judgment  be 
wise,  and  as  the  funds  will  allow. 

Article   VIL 

APPROPRIATIONS. 

1.  The  assistance  of  this  board  in  furnishing  supplies 
shall  be  rendered  only  to  Sabbath  schools  organized  and 
conducted  in  harmony  with  the  disciplinary  provisions 
of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  or  to  those  giving  satis- 
factory evidence  that  they  will  soon  become  such. 

2..  All  applications  for  assistance  shall  be  made  through 
the  secretary,  and  shall  be  considered  by  a  committee  of 
two  members  appointed  Ijy  the  board ;  and  no  appropria- 
tion shall  be  made  without  the  approval  of  said  com- 
mittee being  first  obtained.  Payment  for  such  supplies 
shall  be  made  only  upon  order  of  the  president  and  secre- 
taiy  as  herein  specified. 

Article  VIII. 

DUTIES  OF  OFFICERS. 

1.  The  president  shall  have  the  operations  of  the  board 
under  his  care;  he  shall  preside  at  its  meetings,  make 
such  recommendations  as  he  may  consider  proper,  and 


90  DISCIPLINE 

call  special  meetings  of  the  board  when  in  his  judgment, 
and  that  of  the  secretary,  it  is  necessary.  He  shall  sign 
all  orders  issued  on  the  treasurer  for  funds  appropriated 
by  the  board. 

2.  The  secretary  shall  issue  the  calls  for  the  meetiugs 
of  the  board,  keep  a  correct  record  of  its  business  trans- 
actions in  a  book  provided  for  the  purpose,  and  certify  all 
orders  issued  on  the  treasurer. 

3.  The  treasurer  shall  have  in  charge,  and  hold  in 
trust,  the  funds  of  the  board.  He  shall  j^ay  such  orders 
as  are  properly  certified  by  the  president  and  secretary. 
He  shall  report  annually,  or  ofteuer  if  desired.  His  an- 
nual report  shall  be  audited  by  a  committee  of  the  board. 

Section  II. 

ANNUAL-CONFERENCE  RELATIONS  AND   DUTIES. 

Secretary  and  Treasurer. 

1.  Each  conference  shall  annually  elect  one  person 
who  shall  be  Sabbath-school  secretary'  and  treasurer,  who 
shall  1)6  an  advisory  member  of  the  General  Sabbath- 
School  Board,  and  whose  dutj^  it  shall  be,  to  give  diligent 
attention  to  all  the  interests  of  this  board  before  the  confer- 
ence ;  to  receive  and  transmit  the  funds  for  this  board  to 
the  treasurer  thereof;  to  be  faithful  in  correspondence  with 
the  secretary  of  this  board ;  to  hold  at  a  convenient  time 
during  the  conference  session  a  Sabbath-school  anniversarj^ 
for  tlie  purpose  of  advancing  the  Sabbath-school  cause. 

JPasfor\s  Duties. 

2.  The  pastor  shall  have  general  supervision  of  all  the 
Sabbath  schools  on  his  charge.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  be 
present  at  all  sessions  of  the  Sabbath  school  as  far  as  prac- 
ticable; to  preside  at  ail  business  meetings  Avhen  present, 
and  at  all  meetings  for  the  organization  of  Sabbath 
schools.  He  shall  organize  a  Sabbath  school  at  each  ap- 
pointment on  liis  charge,  where  there  is  not  one  already; 
he  shall  preach  on  the  subject  at  each  appointment  at 
least  once  a  year;  he  shall  report  to  his  conference  the 
number  of  schools,  the  number  of  officers  and  teachers 


SABBATH  SCHOOLS  91 

emploj^ed,  the  number  of  scholars  enrolled,  the  number 
of  conversions  among  the  scholars,  the  number  of  schools 
continuing  through  the  year,  and  the  amount  of  money 
collected  for  the  use  of  schools,  for  the  general  fund,  for 
missions,  and  for  any  other  puriDOse. 

Section  III. 

ORGANIZATION  OF    SABBATH   SCHOOLS. 

1.  The  pastor  shall  j)ursue  the  following  plan  in  or- 
ganizing a  new  school  at  any  one  of  his  ap])ointments,  or 
in  reorganizing  a  school  which  has  not  adojited  the  con- 
stitution hereinafter  provided.  The  pastor  shall  announce 
a  meeting  for  the  purpose,  and  he  shall  act  as  chairman. 
The  pastor,  the  class-leaders,  and  the  stewards  shall  con- 
stitute a  committee  to  present  the  names  of  two  suitable 
persons  for  superintendent  and  two  suitable  persons  for 
assistant  superintendent.  The  election  shall  be  by  ballot, 
and  enrolled  members  of  the  school  over  twelve  years  of 
age  shall  have  the  privilege  of  voting.  The  nominees  re- 
ceiving the  highest  number  of  votes. shall  be  declared 
elected.  The  officers  necessary  shall  be  elected  as  the 
X^astor,  superintendent,  and  school  may  determine.  It  is 
provided,  however,  that  on  stations  where  it  shall  be 
thought  best  by  the  pastor,  the  quarterly  conference  may 
elect  the  superintendent. 

Term  of  Office. 

2.  The  superintendent  and  other  general  officers  of  the 
school  shall  hold  their  respective  offices  one  year,  or  until 
their  successors  shall  have  been  appointed  in  the  manner 
prescribed  in  the  constitution. 

Superintendenf s  Duties. 

3.  The  superintendent  shall  render  to  each  quarterly 
conference  an  account  of  the  condition  of  the  school, 
stating  also  whether  he  is  prompt  in  opening  and  orderly 
in  his  management  of  the  same,  and  at  the  close  of  his 
term  he  shall  see  that  a  successor  is  selected  after  the 
manner  prescribed. 


92  DISCIPLINE 

Dismissal  of  Siq)e7inte7ident. 
4.    The  quarterly  conference  shall  have  power  to  re- 
move from  office  a  superintendent  for  immoral  conduct, 
heresy,  or  insubordination. 

Section  IV. 

SABBATH  SCHOOLS  AND  THE  MISSIONARY  WORK. 

Each  of  our  Sabbath  schools  is  hereby  constituted 
an  auxiliary  to  the  branch  missionary  society  within 
whose  limits  it  is  located ;  and  the  superintendent  is  ex- 
pected to  take  a  collection  at  least  once  each  quarter  for 
the  cause  of  missions,  and  report  the  amount  to  the  j)astor. 
Any  member  of  the  Sabbath  school  may  become  a  life 
member  of  the  auxiliary  by  the  payment  of  three  dollars, 
and  shall  be  entitled  to  a  certificate  of  life  membership. 

Section  V. 

CONSTITUTION   FOR  A  SABBATH  SCHOOL. 

All  Sabbath  schools  of  the  Church  shall  be  governed  by 
the  following  constitution  ;  provided,  that  any  school  may 
have  the  privilege  of  enacting  such  by-laws  for  its  better 
regulation  as  will  not  conflict  with  the  constitution. 

A-vficle  I. 
This  school  shall  be  known   as  the  United  Brethren 
Sabbath  School  of . 

Article  II. 
The  object  of  the  school  shall  be  to  gather  in  all,  both 
old  and  young,  as  far  as  possible,  for  instruction  in  and 
the  study  of  the  Bible,  and  to  promote  the  worship  of 
God,  and  to  secure  the  salvation  of  precious  souls. 

Article  III. 
Section  1.  The  officers  shall  be  the  pastor,  a  superin- 
tendent, a  secretary,  a  treasurer,  a  librarian,  and,  when 
desired  by  the  school,  a  chorister  and  organist.  The 
duties  of  these  offi(!ers  shall  be  such  as  usually  ])ertain  to 
such  offices ;  and  whenever  it  is  generally  deemed  neces- 
sary for  the  interests  of  the  school,  an  assistant  may  be 
elected  in  each  of  these  offices;  all  of  whom  shall  be  sub- 


SABBATH  SCHOOLS  93 

ject  in  their  official  duties  to  their  superior  officers,  except 
in  the  absence  of  such  superiors. 

8ec.  2.  There  shall  also  be  an  executive  committee  of 
three  or  five,  chosen  by  the  school.  The  i)astor  and  super- 
intendent shall  be  members  ex  officio;  and  a  majority 

shall  be  members  of  the  United  Brethren  church  at , 

whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  select  and  order  a  suitable 
amount  of  our  own  literature  and  heli)s  for  the  school 
from  time  to  time,  and  look  after  the  general  interests 
of  the  school.  The  committee  shall  have  power  to  de- 
clare the  office  of  secretary,  treasurer,  librarian,  chorister, 
or  organist  vacant  for  inefficiency  or  willful  absence. 

8ec.  8.  The  superintendent,  when  at  all  possible,  shall 
be  a  member  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  in  good  and 
regular  standing. 

Sec.  4.  When  a  superintendent  is  to  be  chosen,  if  not 
elected  by  the  quarterly  conference,  as  provided  for  in 
Section  III.,  paragraph  1  (p.  91),  the  executive  com- 
mitt-ee  shall  present  to  the  school  the  names  of  at 
least  two  suitable  persons  for  superintendent,  and  the 
one  receiving  the  highest  number  of  votes  shall  be 
declared  elected;  provided,  that  the  election  shall  be  by 
ballot,  and  only  enrolled  members  of  the  school  above 
twelve  years  of  age  shall  be  allowed  to  vote.  The  secre- 
tary, treasurer,  librarian,  chorister,  organist,  and  any 
other  necessary  officers  shall  be  elected  by  the  school,  also 
by  ballot.  The  teachers  shall  be  appointed  by  the  super- 
intendent, with  the  approval  of  the  pastor. 

Sec.  5.  The  pastor  of  the  church  shall  preside  at  each 
annual  election,  whenever  practicable,  and  the  superin- 
tendent or  pastor  shall  preside  at  all  special  elections. 

Article  IV. 
Vacancies  for  unexpired  terms  shall  be  filled  in  the  man- 
ner and  form  as  above  provided  for  annual  reorganization. 

Article  V. 
The  place  of  meeting  for  the  Sabbath  school  shall  be 
the  usual  place  of  meeting  for  the  United  Brethren  church 
services,  and  at  such  hours  of  the  day  as  shall  not  inter- 
fere with  the  other  church  services. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

YOUNG   people's   CHRISTIAN    UNION. 
Section  I. 

ORGANIZATION. 

1.  The  Young  People's  Christian  Union  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ  shall  consist  of  the  young  people's 
societies  organized  as  provided  in  its  constitution.  It 
shall  be  under  tlie  direction  of  an  executive  council. 

2.  The  executive  council  shall  consist  of  nine  members, 
including  the  president  and  corresponding  secretarj^  of  the 
Young  People's  Christian  Union.  Of  the  seven  members 
to  be  elected,  four  shall  be  chosen  by  the  General  Confer- 
ence and  three  by  the  Young  People's  Christian  Union. 
The  executive  council  shall  make  a  quadrennial  report  to 
the  General  Conference. 

3.  The  president  of  the  local  young  peoj^le's  society 
shall  be  a  member  of  the  Church  of  tlie  United  Brethren 
in  Christ,  and  shall  be  a  member  of  the  quarterly  confer- 
ence of  the  charge  to  which  the  society  belongs,  and  shall 
make  a  written  report  to  each  session  of  the  quarterly 
conference. 

4.  The  organ  of  the  Y^oung  People's  Christian  Union 
shall  be  the  Watchword,  published  under  the  direction  of 
the  trustees  and  agent  of  the  Publishing  House,  the 
editor  of  which  shall  be  chosen  by  the  General  Confer- 
ence. This  paper  shall  be  devoted  specifically  to  the 
work  of  the  Young  People's  Christian  Union,  and  it  shall 
be  so  limited  in  its  scope  as  not  to  interfere  with  the 
proper  field  of  the  Ji.dlgio2is  Telescope  and  the  other 
Church  periodicals.  In  directing  the  plan  and  policy  of 
this  paper  the  executive  council  shall  advise  and  assist. 
The  editor  may  serve  as  corresponding  secretary  of  the 
Young  People's  Christian  Union,  subject  to  the  action  of 
the  union. 


YOUNG   PEOPLE'S  CHRISTIAN   UNION  95 

Section  II. 

CONSTITUTION. 

Article  I. 

JTAME. 

This  organization  shall  be  called  "The  Young  People's 

Christian  Union  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in 

Christ." 

Article  II. 

OBJECT. 

The  object  of  this  union  shall  be  to  unite  the  young 
people's  Christian  societies  of  the  entire  Church,  of  what- 
ever name,  for  mutual  helpfulness^  for  stimulating 
Church  loyalty  and  an  intelligent  interest  in  the  various 
Church  enterprises,  and  for  the  organization  and  exten- 
sion of  young  people's  Christian    societies  within    the 

Church. 

Article  HI. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

Any  young  people's  Christian  society  of  whatever 
name,  connected  with  any  congregation  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,  may  become  a  member  of  this  union 
upon  the  following  conditions : 

1.  That  it  be  enrolled  at  the  office  of  this  union,  either 
directly  or  through  the  conference  branch. 

2.  That  it  adopt  the  following  articles  as  part  of  its 
constitution: 

( a )  The  article  on  "  Object"  shall  include  :  " It  shall 
be  the  object  of  this  society  to  promote  an  earnest  Chris- 
tian life  among  its  members,  to  increase  their  mutual 
accpiaintance,  to  make  them  more  useful  in  the  service  of 
God,  to  promote  loyalty  to  the  Church  of  the  United 
]:rethren  in  Christ,  to  study  its  life  and  interests,  and  to 
seek  in  every  proper  way  to  assist  the  growth  of  both  the 
local  church  and  the  denomination  at  large,  as  our  par- 
ticular part  of  God's  Zion." 

(b)  As  a  separate  clause  or  article:  "This  society 
sliall  at  no  time  adopt  any  rule  or  practice  contrary  to  the 
iliscipline  and  usages  of  the  United  Brethren  Church." 

(c)  As   a   separate  clause:     "This  society  shall  be 


96  DISCIPLINE 

auxiliary  to  the Conference  Branch  of  the  Young 

Pepple's   Christian   Union    of   the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ." 

Article  IV. 

OFFICERS. 

Section  1.  The  officers  of  the  union  shall  consist  of  a 
president,  vice-president  for  each  bishop's  district,  record- 
ing secretary,  corresponding  secretary,  treasurer,  and  an 
executive  council. 

Sec.  2.  The  executive  council  shall  consist  of  the 
president,  corresponding  secretary,  and  seven  other  mem- 
bers. 

Sec.  3.  These  officers,  except  four  members  of  the 
executive  council  to  be  chosen  by  the  General  Confer- 
ence, shall  be  elected  at  the  regular  meetings  of  the 
union  J  and  shall  serve  until  their  successors  are  duly 
elected.  This  election  shall  be  by  ballot,  upon  the  recom- 
mendation of  a  nominating  committee,  which  shall  re- 
port twice  the  number  of  names  necessary  for  each  office. 

Sec.  4.  The  executive  council  shall  have  power  to  fill 
vacancies  occurring  during  the  intervals  of  the  meetings 
of  the  union. 

Article  V. 

BUTIES  OF  OFFICERS. 

Section  1.  The  president,  recording  secretary,  and 
treasurer  shall  perform  the  duties  usually  devolving  upon 
such  officers. 

Sec.  2.  In  addition  to  his  ordinary  duties  the  vice- 
president  living  in  each  district  shall  be  the  organizer  for 
that  district,  and  shall  perform  such  other  duties  as  may 
be  directed  by  the  executive  council. 

Sec.  3.  The  corresponding  secretary  shall  keep  a  list 
of  all  the  branches  and  of  all  the  young  people's  societies 
in  the  Church,  with  the  name  of  the  president  and  corre- 
sponding secretary  of  each.  He  shall  conduct  all  corre- 
spondence, give  notice  of  all  meetings  of  the  union  and  of 
the  executive  council,  collect  any  statistics  that  may  be 
desired,  make  a  report  of  the  operations  of  the  union  to 
the  General  Conference,  and  perform  such  other  duties 


YOUNG   people's   CHRISTIAN   UNION  97 

as  may  be  required  by  the  union  or  by  the  executive 
council. 

Sec.  4.  The  treasurer  shall  pay  out  money  only  on  the 
order  of  the  union  or  the  executive  council,  signed  by  the 
president  and  secretary. 

Sec.  5.  The  executive  council  shall  meet  annually  at 
such  time  and  place  as  it  may  determine.  It  shall  have 
general  control  of  the  union,  call  meetings,  prepare  pro- 
grams, provide  for  the  expenses,  labor  to  promote  the  or- 
ganization of  branches  in  all  the  annual  conferences  and 
of  local  societies  throughout  the  Church,  provide  such 
literature  for  the  societies  as  the  union  may  decide  or  the 
council  deem  proper,  and  attend  to  such  other  matters  as 
may  be  necessary  during  the  intervals  of  the  meetings  of 
the  union.  It  shall  make  reports  of  its  transactions  to 
the  union. 

Article  VI. 

CONFERENCE  BRANCH   UNIONS. 

Section  1.  The  local  societies  of  any  conference  shall 
constitute  a  branch  of  this  union,  to  be  known  by  the 
name  of  the  conference. 

Sec.  2.  These  branches  shall  be  governed  by  the  branch 
constitution  provided  by  this  union. 

Sec.  3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  conference  branch 
to  have  a  complete  list  of  the  societies  in  the  conference, 
to  report  them  to  the  corresponding  secretary  of  this 
union,  and  to  collect  from  each  society  an  annual  due  of 
one  dollar,  of  which  seventy-five  cents  shall  be  paid  to 
the  treasurer  of  this  union. 

Article  VII. 

CONVENTIONS. 

Section  1.  The  union  shall  hold  biennial  conventions, 
at  such  time  and  place  as  the  executive  council  may  de- 
termine, for  the  transaction  of  business  and  the  discussion 
of  topics  relating  to  Christian  work. 

Sec.  2.    These  conventions  shall  be  composed  of  all 
membei's  of  local  societies  and  all  United  Brethren  min- 
isters attending  tlie  conventions  of  this  union,  and  three 
duly  accredited  delegates  from  each  conference  branch. 
7 


98  DISCIPUNE 

Sec.  3.  The  business  of  the  convention  shall  be  of  two 
kinds  — deliberative  and  executive. 

Sec.  4.  Executive  business  shall  consist  of  the  follow- 
ing only : 

( a )    Changes  in  the  constitution. 

( 6 )    Election  of  officers. 

( c )    Authorizing  the  collection  and  payment  of  money. 

Sec.  5.  Upon  executive  business  all  members  may  de- 
bate, but  only  the  delegates  from  the  conference  branches 
may  vote. 

Article  VIIL 

AMENDMENTS. 

This  constitution  may  be  amended  at  any  regular  con- 
vention of  the  union  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  dele- 
gates present,  notice  having  been  given  six  hours  in 
advance. 


PART  VI. 

Benevolent  and  Educational  Institutions. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

HOME,    FRONTIER,    AND    FOREIGN   MISSIONARY 
SOCIETY. 

CONSTITUTION. 

Article  I. 

■      NAME. 

This  society  shall  be  called  the  "Home,  Frontier,  and 
Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ,"  and  is  organized  for  the  i^urpose  of  aiding  the 
annual  conferences  in  extending  their  niissionaiy  labors 
throughout  the  country  and  into  foreign  and  heathen 
lands. 

Article  11. 

LIFE  MEMBERS  AND  DIRECTORS. 

The  payment  of  ten  doUars  at  one  time  shall  constitute 
a  life  member,  or  fifty  dollars  at  one  time  a  life  director. 
No  certificate  of  life  membership  or  life  directorship  shall 
be  granted  until  the  fuU  amount  is  paid. 

Article  HI, 

OFFICERS. 

The  officers  of  this  society  shall  consist  of  the  bishops  of 
the  Church,  who  shall  be  officers  ex  officio,  the  senior 
bishop  being  president,  and  the  other  bishops  ranking  as 
vice-presidents  according  to  seniority;  also  a  secretary 
and  a  treasurer,  who  shall  be  elected  every  four  years  by 
the  General  Conference.  The  General  Conference  shall 
also  elect,  every  four  3'ears,  nine  directois,  three  of  whom 
shall  be  laymen.  These  with  the  above-named  officers 
shall    constitute  the  board   of  directors.     The  number 


100  DISCIPLINE 

present  at  any  regular  or  called  meeting  shall  constitute 
a  quorum. 

Article  IV. 

DUTIES  OF  PRESIDENT. 

The  president  shall  preside  at  all  meetings  of  the  board, 
and  shall  have  power,  in  coujunction  with  the  secretary, 
to  call  special  meetings.  In  the  absence  of  the  president, 
one  of  the  vice-presidents  shall  fill  his  place. 

Article  V. 

DUTIES  OF  SECRETARY. 

The  secretary  shall  keep  a  correct  record  of  all  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  society,  conduct  its  correspondence,  and 
devote  himself  exclusively  to  the  interests  of  the  society. 
He  shall  keep  a  record  of  all  the  life  members,  life  direc- 
tors, legacies,  etc.  He  shall  also  make  out  and  publish, 
under  the  direction  of  the  board,  an  annual  report  of  the 
whole  missionary  work  ;  also  a  quadrennial  report  to  the 
General  Couference.  His  salary  shall  be  determined  by 
the  General  Conference. 

Article  VI. 

DUTIES  OF  TREASURER. 

The  treasurer  shall  hold  the  funds  of  the  society,  sub- 
ject to  the  order  of  the  board,  and,  at  the  discretion  of  the 
board,  devote  himself  exclusively  to  the  interests  of  the 
Missionary  Society.  His  salary  shall  be  determined  by 
the  General  Conference. 

Article  VII. 

DUTIES  OF  THE  BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS. 

The  board  of  directors  shall  hold  annual  meetings  ; 
have  power  to  appoint  an  executive  committee,  consist- 
ing of  five  persons,  three  of  whom  shall  be  membei-s  of 
the  board  ;  make  by-laws  to  regulate  its  own  business ; 
appropriate  money  to  defraj^  incidental  expenses ;  employ 
missionaries  and  agents ;  open  new  missions ;  make 
appropriations  to  mission  conferences  ;  employ  laborers 
for  mission  districts  ;  dissolve  mission  conferences  ;  fill 
vacancies  in  its  own  body ;  in  connection  with  the 
bishops  or  any  one  of  them,  ordain  ministers  to  the  office 


HOME,  FRONTIER,  AND  FOREIGN  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY  101 

of  elder  ;  and  publish,  at  our  own  press,  such  matter  as 
the  cause  may  from  time  to  time  demand. 

Article  VIII. 

CONFERENCE  CONVENTIONS. 

Wherever  practicable  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  an- 
nual conference  to  provide  for  the  holding  of  district  con- 
ventions, at  least  once  a  year,  in  the  interest  of  missions. 

Article  IX. 

MISSION  DISTRICTS. 

A  mission  district  shall  consist  of  two  or  more  fields  of 
labor,  outside  the  bounds  of  an  annual  conference.  Its 
annual  sessions  shall  be  presided  over  by  a  bishop,  or  an 
elder  appointed  by  the  Board  of  Missions.  At  these 
meetings  the  boundaries  of  fields  of  labor  shall  be  fixed, 
the  character  of  members  examined,  and  preachers  may 
be  received,  examined  and  passed  on  course  of  reading, 
and  ordained.  A  presiding  elder  may  be  elected,  if  the 
Board  of  Missions  so  advise,  and  ministers  appointed  to 
fill  the  fields  of  labor  by  the  presiding  officer  and  the  pre- 
siding elder. 

Article  X. 

MISSIONARIES. 

Each  missionary  in  the  employ  of  the  board  shall  re- 
port quarterly  to  the  secretary  the  condition  of  his  mis- 
sion ;  and  no  missionary  shall  be  entitled  to  his  salary 
who  shall  neglect  to  comply  with  this  requirement,  or 
leave  his  work  without  the  consent  of  the  executive  com- 
mittee, or  the  Board  of  Missions,  or  his  presiding  elder. 
The  presiding  elders  of  mission  conferences  shall  report 
quarterly  the  condition  of  their  respective  works. 

Article  XL 

THANK-OFFERING. 

All  pastors  in  charge  of  fields  of  labor  shall  annually  in 
the  month  of  November  take  a  thank-offering  collection 
at  each  appointment  on  their  charges,  which  shall  be 
sent  to  the  general  missionary  treasurer  at  Daj^ton,  Ohio, 
and  be  sacred  to  foreign  missions.    Each  pastor  shall  also 


102  DISCIPLINE 

report  said  collections  to  his  annual  conference,  and 
shall  be  examined  by  the  presiding  bishop  in  relation 
to  this  duty. 

Article  XIL 

OBJECT  OF  CONTRIBUTIONS. 

The  branch  societies  or  individual  members  may  specify 
to  what  particular  portion  of  the  worlv  their  funds  shall 
be  applied ;  provided,  however,  that  if  more  is  thus 
designated  than  is  necessary  for  the  work  specified,  it 
may  be  applied  to  some  other  work,  as  the  board  shall 
determine. 

Article  XIIL 

BRANCH    OFFICERS. 

Each  conference  shall  be  considered  a  branch  of  this 
society,  and  shall  elect  a  treasurer  and  secretary. 

Section  1.  The  branch  treasurer  shall  immediately 
forward  the  funds  designed  for  the  parent  board  to  the 
treasurer  thereof. 

Sec.  2.  The  branch  secretary  shall  keep  a  record  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  annual  conference  in  relation  to  home, 
frontier,  and  foreign  missions,  separately,  and  report  the 
same  immediately  after  the  session  of  the  conference  to 
the  secretary  of  the  board.  He  shall  report  the  number 
of  missions,  appointments,  meeting-houses,  members  at 
the  beginning  of  the  year,  members  received,  and  mem- 
bers remaining ;  Sabbath  schools,  scholars,  and  teachers ; 
what  paid  on  missions  as  salary,  wiiat  collected  for  mis- 
sions on  missions  ;  what  collected  for  missions  in  the 
whole  conference  ;  how  much  paid  the  parent  board,  and 
how  much  paid  to  home  missions ;  and  the  names  and 
postoflfice  addresses  of  life  directors  and  life  members. 
The  branch  secretaries  shall  be  responsible  to  their  re- 
spective annual  conferences  for  the  faithful  discharge  of 
their  duties. 

Article  XIV, 

HOME  MISSIONS. 

Each  branch  society  shall  have  the  exclusive  manage- 
ment of  the  home  missions  within  its  own  limits; 
provided,  however,  that  the  missionary  board  shall  be 


HOME,  FRONTIER,  AND  FOREIGN  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY  103 

permitted  to  open  and  operate  missions  within  the  bounds 
of  any  annual  conference,  jointly  or  independently,  by 
the  consent  of  such  conference. 

Article  XV. 

TREASURERS'  SECURITY. 

Treasurers  of  the  parent  board  and  of  branch  societies 
shall  give  approved  security. 

Article  XVI. 

BEQUESTS. 

All  bequests  and  donations,  the  interest  of  which  is  to 
go  to  missionary  purposes,  made  to  any  of  the  above 
societies  herein  mentioned,  shall  be  kept  sacred. 

Article  XVIL 

FORMATION  OF  SELF-SUPPORTING  CONFERENCES. 

The  bishops  shall  recommend  annually  to  the  Board  of 
Missions  what  mission  conferences,  if  any,  should  be- 
come self-supporting,  and  on  the  approval  of  the  Board 
of  Missions  shall  give  notice  to  said  conference  one  year 
before  it  is  made  self-supporting. 

Article  XVIIL 

UNOCCUPIED  TERRITORY. 

The  Board  of  Missions  is  permitted  to  occupy  any  terri- 
tory within  the  bounds  of  an  annual  conference  not  occu- 
pied by  said  conference,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions 
of  Article  XIV. 

AHicle  XIX. 

LOCAL   SOCIETIES. 

Section  1.  Local  societies  may  be  organized  in  any 
United  Brethren  congregation  by  securing  names  and 
electing  officers. 

Sec.  2.  The  officers  of  these  societies  shall  be  a  presi- 
dent, vice-president,  secretary,  and  treasurer. 

Sec.  3.  The  object  of  these  societies  shall  be  to  enlist 
and  educate  the  membership,  especially  the  young  people, 
in  missionary  work  in  the  home  and  foreign  fields. 


104  DISCIPLINE 

Sec.  4.  The  treasurer  shall  hold  all  the  funds  of  the 
society  and  transmit  the  same  through  the  pastor  of  the 
charge  annually  to  the  branch  society. 

Sec.  5.  Any  person  may  become  a  member  of  a  local 
society  upon  such  terms  as  said  society  shall  designate. 

Sec.  6.  All  societies  shall  hold  quarterly  meetings  for 
the  purpose  of  transacting  business,  securing  money,  and 
cultivating  the  spirit  of  Christian  missions. 


CHAPTER  XVIIT. 

WOMAN'S   MISSIONARY   ASSOCIATION. 

Section  I. 

ARTICLES  OF  INCORPORATION. 

1.  The  name  by  which  this  corporation  shall  be  known 
is,  "The  Woman's  Missionary  Association  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,"  and  the  said  organization  is  not  for 
profit. 

2.  The  principal  business  of  said  corporation  is  to  be 
transacted  in  the  city  of  Dayton,  county  of  Montgomery, 
State  of  Ohio. 

3.  Said  corporation  is  formed  for  the  purpose  of  engag- 
ing and  uniting  the  efforts  of  women  in  sending  mission- 
aries into  the  foreign  and  domestic  fields  of  the  United 
Brethren  Church,  and  supporting  said  missionaries  and 
other  laborers  in  said  mission  fields,  and  in  securing  by 
gift,  bequest,  and  otherwise,  the  funds  necessary  for  the 
pui'pose  aforesaid. 

4.  Said  corporation  is  not  to  have  capital  stock. 

Section  II. 

BY-LAWS. 

By-Laiv  I. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

The  payment  of  one  dollar  annually  shaU  constitute  the 
donor  a  member  of  this  association,  and  the  payment  of 
ten  dollars  at  one  time,  a  life  member.  The  payment  of 
twenty-five  dollars  at  one  time  shall  constitute  the  donor 
a  life  director.  The  payment  of  one  hundred  dollars  at 
one  time  shall  constitute  the  donor  a  life  patron.  By  the 
installment  plan  the  payment  of  two  dollars  annually  for 
five  years  shall  constitute  the  donor  a  life  member,  or  five 
dollars  annually  for  five  yeai-s,  a  life  director,  or  twenty- 

105 


106  DISCIPLINE 

five  dollars  annually  for  four  years,  or  fifty  dollars  an- 
nually for  two  yeai-s,  a  life  patron.  A  certificate  is  given 
at  the  time  of  payment  in  full. 

By-Law  II. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The  organization  of  this  association  shall  consist  of  a 
board  of  managers,  nine  trustees,  and  branch  and  local 
societies  to  be  organized  under  the  constitution  hereto 
attached. 

By-Law  HI. 

BOARD    OF    MANAGERS. 

The  board  of  managers  shall  consist  of  the  trustees  and 
three  delegates  from  each  branch  society,  who  shall  be 
elected  at  tlie  branch  annual  meeting  preceding  the  meet- 
ing of  the  board.  Said  board  shall  meet  annually  at  such 
time  and  place  as  shall  be  designated. 

The  duties  of  said  board  shall  be  advisory  to  the  trus- 
tees. Life  patrons  shall  have  all  the  privileges  of  full 
members  of  the  board  of  managers.  Life  directors  of  the 
association  shall  be  regarded  as  advisory  members  of  the 
board  of  managers. 

By-Law  IV. 

TRUSTEES  AND  OFFICERS. 

The  trustees  are  to  be  elected  by  the  members  of  the 
association,  who  shall  vote  either  in  person  or  by  proxy, 
on  the  first  Thursday  in  June,  in  the  city  of  Dayton. 
The  officers  shall  be  elected  by  the  trustees,  and  shall 
consist  of  a  president,  three  or  more  vice-presidents, 
a  corresponding  secretary,  a  recording  secretary,  and  a 
treasurer. 

By-Law  V. 

DUTIES  OF  THE  BOARD  OF  TRUSTEES. 

The  board  of  trustees  shall  have  power  to  select  loca- 
tions for  missions,  appoint  missionaries,  appropriate  the 
funds  of  the  association  as  the  interest  of  the  cause  may 
demand,  and  attend  to  the  administration  and  general 
management  of  the  aflfairs  of  the  association. 


woman's  missionary  association  107 

By-Law  VI. 

RELATION  OF  THE  ASSOCIATION  TO  THE  CHURCH. 

This  association  shall  work  in  harmony  with  the 
Home,  Frontier,  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ,  and  under  the  direction  of 
the  General  Conference  of  said  Church.  Its  missionaries 
shall  be  subject  to  the  same  rules  that  govern  the  mis- 
sionaries of  the  aforesaid  missionary  society. 

By-Law  VII. 

FUNDS. 

All  funds  coming  into  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  of  the 
association  shall  beheld  subject  to  the  order  of  the  board 
of  trustees,  and  no  funds  shall  be  disbursed  by  the  treas- 
urer except  upon  the  orders  of  said  board,  duly  signed  by 
the  secretary. 

By-Law    VIIL 

BRANCH    SOCIETIES. 

One  branch  society  may  be  formed  within  the  bounds 
of  any  annual  conference  of  the  United  Brethren  Church, 
by  the  adoption  of  the  branch  constitution. 

By-Law  LX. 
These  by-laws  may  be  altered  or  amended  at  any  an- 
nual meeting  of  the  board  of  managers  by  a  vote  of  two- 
thirds  of  the  members  present. 

Form  of  Bequest. 
I  give,  devise,  and   bequeath   to  the  Woman's   Mis- 
sionary Association  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  the 

sum  of ,  to  be  applied  to  the  purposes  set  forth  in 

the  Articles  of  Incorporation  adopted  March  28,  1890. 

Name 

Section  III. 

branch  constitution. 

Article  I. 

This  society  shall  be  called  the Conference  Branch 

of  the  Woman's  Missionary  Association  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ. 


108  DISCIPLINE 

Article  II. 

The  object  .of  this  society  is  to  aid  the  association  to 
awaken  an  interest  among  women  in  behalf  of  Christian 
missions,  and  to  raise  funds  for  their  support. 

Article  III. 

The .  membership  of  this  society  shall  consist  of  the 
members  of  the  association  within  the  limits  of  this  con- 
ference district. 

Article  IV. 

Section  1.  The  officers  of  this  society  shall  be  a  pres- 
ident, two  vice-presidents,  a  secretary,  and  a  treasurer, 
who  together  shall  constitute  an  executive  committee 
to  supervise  the  entire  work  of  the  association  within  the 
conference  district.  It  shall  be  their  duty  to  make  ear- 
nest efforts  to  secure  the  organization  of  local  societies  in 
all  the  United  Brethren  congregations  within  the  bounds 
of  the  conference. 

Sec.  2.  It  sball  be  the  duty  of  the  secretary  of  this 
society  to  keep  a  correct  record  of  its  proceedings  and  the 
proceedings  of  the  executive  committee,  and  transmit  a 
report  to  the  corresponding  secretary  of  the  board  of 
managers  at  least  ten  days  before  the  annual  meeting  of 
the  board. 

Sec.  3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  treasurer  to  receive 
and  hold  the  funds  of  the  society,  and  transmit  the  same 
quarterly  to  the  treasurer  of  the  board,  the  last  report  to 
be  sent  in  at  least  ten  days  before  the  meeting  of  the 
board  of  managers. 

Article  V. 

This  society  shall  hold  annual  meetings  to  elect  its  offi- 
cers and  members  of  the  board  of  managers,  and  to 
transact  any  business  pertaining  to  its  work,  its  members 
to  consist  of  the  officers  and  three  delegates  from  each 
local  society. 

Article  VI. 

This  society  shall  provide  for  the  expenses  of  its  dele- 
gates to  the  annual  meetings  of  the  board  of  managers. 


WOMAN'S   MISSIONARY   ASSOCIATION  109 

Article  VII. 

Life  directors  and  life  members  within  the  bounds  of 
the  conference  shall  be  regarded  as  advisory  members  of 
the  annual  meetings  of  this  society 

Section  IV. 

LOCAL,  CONSTITUTION. 

Article  I. 

This  society  shall  be  called  the Local  Society  of 

Branch  Society  of  the  Woman's  Missionary  Association 
of  the  United  Brethren  id  Christ ;  and  any  woman  may 
become  a  member  of  the  same  by  consenting  to  the  by- 
laws of  said  association. 

Article  11. 

The  officei-s  of  this  society  shall  consist  of  a  president, 
vice-president,  secretary,  and  treasurer,  and  two  or  more 
collectors. 

Article  III. 

Section  1.  The  duties  of  the  president  shall  be  those 
usual  to  the  office. 

Sec.  2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  vice-president  to 
assume  the  duties  of  president  in  her  absence. 

Sec.  3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  secretary  to  keejD  a 
record  of  the  proceedings  of  each  meeting,  with  the  names 
of  members,  and  report  quarterly  to  the  secretary  of  the 
branch  society. 

Sec.  4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  treasurer  to  hold  all 
funds  of  the  society  and  transmit  the  same  quarterly  to 
the  treasurer  of  the  branch  society. 

Sec.  5.  It  shall  be  the  dutj'  of  the  collectors  to  visit 
members  of  the  Church  and  solicit  names,  collect  quarterly 
dues,  and  report  the  number  of  visits  and  amount  collected 
at  each  meeting. 

Article  IV. 

Any  child  may  become  a  member  of  this  society' upon 
the  payment  of cents  per  quarter. 


110  DISCIPLINE 

Article  V. 

This  society  shall  meet  quarterly,  and  shall  arrange  its 
year  with  reference  to  the  annual  meeting  of  the  branch 
society. 

The  election  of  officers  and  delegates  to  the  branch 
meeting  shall  be  held  at  the  last  quarterly  meeting  pre- 
ceding the  branch  meeting. 

Article  VI. 

This  society  shall  appoint  a  superintendent  of  the 
children's  baud,  who  shall  also  take  charge  of  the  funds, 
and  report  quarterly  to  the  treasurer  of  the  branch  society. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

CHURCH-ERECTION    SOCIETY. 
CONSTITUTION. 

Article  I. 

NAME. 

This  society  shall  be  known  as  the  "Church-Erection 
Society  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ," 
located  in  Dayton,  Ohio. 

Article  II. 

OBJECT. 

The  object  of  this  society  shall  be  to  assist  congrega- 
tions in  locating  and  erecting  houses  of  worship. 

Article  III 

OFFICERS. 

The  officers  of  this  society  shall  consist  of  nine  direc- 
tors, three  of  whom  shall  be  laymen,  a  corresponding 
secretary,  and  a  treasurer,  the  directors  and  secretary  to 
be  elected  by  the  General  Conference.  The  bishops  shall 
be  directors  of  this  society  ex  officio. 

The  treasurer  of  the  Missionary  Society  shall  be  treas- 
urer of  this  society  ex  officio. 

These  officers  and  directors  shall  constitute  a  board  of 
managers,  who  shall  meet  immediately  on  adjournment 
of  the  General  Conference,  and  organize  by  electing  a 
president  and  vice-president. 

The  corresponding  secretary  shall  be  recording  secretaiy 
of  the  board. 

Article  IV. 

DUTIES  OF  OFFICERS. 

Section  1.  The  president  shall  preside  at  all  meetings 
of  the  board,  and  shall  have  power,  in  conjunction  with 

111 


112  DISCIPLINE 

the  secretary  and  two  directors,  to  call  special  meetings. 
In  the  absence  of  the  president,  the  vice-president  shall 
preside. 

Sec.  2.  The  corresponding  secretary  shall  keep  a  rec- 
ord of  the  proceedings  of  the  board,  conduct  its  corre- 
spondence, and  devote  himself  to  the  work  of  securing 
funds  and  otherwise  attending  to  the  interests  of  the 
society  as  the  board  may  direct.  He  shall  publish  annual 
and  quadrennial  reports  of  the  work  of  the  society.  The 
salary  of  such  secretary  shall  be  fixed  by  the  General 
Conference. 

Sec.  3.  The  treasurer  shall  hold  the  funds  of  the  so- 
ciety subject  to  the  order  of  the  board. 

Sec.  4.  The  board  of  managers  shall  hold  annual 
meetings,  appoint  an  executive  committee  of  its  own 
number,  make  by-laws  to  regulate  its  business,  lend 
money  to  churches,  appropriate  money  to  defray  inci- 
dental expenses,  and  publish  such  matter  from  time  to 
time  as  the  cause  may  require.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  board  of  managers,  in  case  of  vacancy  in  the  office  of 
secretary,  from  death,  resignation,  or  otherwise,  to  ap- 
point his  successor  as  soon  as  practicable,  who  shall  serve 
till  the  following  General  Conference. 

Article  V. 

BRANCHES. 

Each  annual  conference  in  the  Church  is  hereby  con- 
stituted a  branch  of  this  society,  and  shall  elect  annually 
a  branch  secretary,  treasurer,  and  board  of  directors, 
who  may  adopt  such  rules  and  regulations  for  their 
government— not  conflicting  herewith  — as  they  may 
determine.  The  branch  secretary  and  treasurer  shall 
report  annually  to  their  respective  societies. 

Article   VI. 

APPORTIONMENT  AND  DIVISION. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  annual  conference  to  make 
a  judicious  apportionment  to  the  several  fields  of  labor 
within  its  bounds  for  this  interest,  one-half  of  which 
fund,  when  collected,  shall  be  transmitted  to  the  treas- 


CHURCH-ERECTION   SOCIETY  113 

urer  of  the  parent  board  of  church  erection,  located  at 
Dayton,  Ohio,  the  branch  treasurer  retaining  one-half  for 
the  conference;  provided,  however,  that  special  donations 
and  bequests  shall  go  to  the  parent  society  unless  the 
donors  direct  otherwise. 

Article  VIL 

RECEIPTS  OF  TREASURER. 

The  treasurer  of  the  parent  board  shall  receipt  for  all 
money  sent  him  by  the  various  conference  treasurers. 

Article  VIII. 

APPLICATION  FOR  AID. 

Application  for  aid  from  this  society  shall  be  made  to 
the  board  of  managers,  through  the  officers  of  the  branch 
society  ;  provided,  however,  that  in  the  locating  and 
erection  of  houses  of  worship  no  board  of  trustees  apply- 
ing for  help  from  the  parent  board  shall  receive  a  loan 
from  said  board  until  the  location  has  received  the  ap- 
proval of  the  conference  board. 

Article  IX, 

RETURN  OF  LOANS. 

Should  any  local  church  thus  aided  lose  its  organiza- 
tion, so  as  to  make  the  sale  of  its  house  necessary,  then 
out  of  the  proceeds  of  such  sale  the  amount  loaned,  with 
interest,  shall  be  refunded  to  the  Church-Erection  Board. 

Article  X. 

GRANTING  OF  LOANS. 

Section  1.  The  board  shall  make  no  appropriations 
where  there  is  reasonable  prospect  that  the  church  asking 
aid  can  succeed  without  it,  or  where  there  is  no  prospect 
of  gathering  a  good  membership. 

8ec.  2.  All  aid  rendered  shall  be  only  as  a  loan,  the 
principal  to  be  refunded  without  interest  at  such  times  as 
the  board  may  direct,  but  in  no  case  for  a  longer  term 
than  five  years  at  any  one  time,  or  more  than  five  hun- 
dred dollars  to  any  single  church,  except  that  in  large, 
growing  towns  and  cities,  at  the  discretion  of  the  board, 


114  DISCIPLINE 

the  amount  may  be  increased  to  one  thousand  dollars, 
and  the  time  extended  to  ten  years;  provided,  however, 
that  contributions  to  a  donation  fund  may  be  received 
and  appropriated  to  aid  in  the  erection  of  churches  in  im- 
portant localities,  under  such  regulations  as  the  board 
may  adopt. 

Sec.  3.  Funds  shall  not  be  loaned  to  any  church  until 
the  church  property  is  secured  by  deed  as  provided  for  in 
the  Discipline ;  nor  shall  loans  be  made  to  churches  until 
their  trustees  have  forwarded  an  abstract  of  the  title  of 
their  property,  certificate  of  release  of  all  mechanics' 
liens  and  other  incumbrances,  and  their  notes,  secured 
by  the  first  mortgage  on  the  premises  properly  recorded 
in  the  records  of  the  courts,  for  the  inspection  of  the 
board  of  managers,  or  executive  committee. 

Article  XL 

INSURANCE. 

Section  1.  The  trustees  of  any  church  which  receives 
a  loan  from  the  Church-Erection  Society  shall  be  required 
to  secure  said  church  building  from  loss  by  fire  in  some 
reliable  insurance  company  in  favor  of  said  Church- 
Erection  Society. 

Sec.  2.  The  parent  board  shall  have  authority  to  con- 
stitute, by  special  act  of  incorporation,  a  plan  to  insure 
churches  and  parsonages  within  the  denomination. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

PRINTING    ESTABLISHMENT    AND    CHURCH 
PUBLICATIONS. 

Section  I. 

PRINTING   ESTABLISHMENT. 

Name. 

1.  This  establishment  shall  be  called  "The  Printing 
Establishment  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ." 

Election  of  Officers. 

2.  The  controlling  authority  herein  granted  shall  be 
vested  in  the  General  Conference  of  said  Church,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  elect  the  necessary  agents  and  editors, 
and  fix  their  salaries,  and  make  or  amend  such  rules  as 
in  its  judgment  it  may  deem  expedient. 

Trustees — Election  and  Duties. 

3.  The  General  Conference  shall  elect  a  board  of  nine 
trustees  from  the  four  bishops'  districts,  to  ser\'e  for  four 
years,  or  until  their  successors  are  elected ;  provided, 
that  not  less  than  three  of  the  number  shall  be  residents 
of  Dayton  or  its  vicinit3\ 

4.  The  board  of  trustees  thus  elected  shall,  during  the 
interval  of  the  General  Conferences,  take  the  oversight  of 
the  Printing  Establishment.  They  shall  meet  annually, 
or  oftener  if  need  be,  in  the  Publishing  House  in  Dayton, 
Ohio,  on  the  call  of  their  president.  They  shall  also 
select  a  local  committee  of  three  of  their  number,  from 
among  those  residing  in  Dayton  or  its  vicinity. 

5.  The  local  committee  shall  take  the  oversight  of  the 
Establishment  during  the  intervals  of  the  meetings  of 
the  board  of  trustees.  It  shall  meet  monthly,  or  oftener 
if  need  be,  and  shall  have  power  to  order  expenses  cur- 

115 


116  DISCIPLINE 

tailed  in  any  department  of  the  Publishing  House ;  and 
should  there  arise  a  difference  of  opinion  between  the 
agent  and  editor  of  any  of  the  publications  as  to  what 
shall  appear  in  the  columns  of  any  paper,  the  committee 
shall  decide  the  matter;  it  shall  also  decide  what 
books  that  have  been  approved  by  the  book  committee 
shall  be  published  by  the  House,  and  transact  such  other 
business  as  may  come  before  it. 

6.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  have  full  power  at  any 
meeting  to  discontinue  any  periodical  when  the  inter- 
ests of  the  Church  or  Printing  Establishment  demand  it ; 
such  action  shall,  how^ever,  not  be  taken  except  by  a 
two-thirds  vote  of  the  board. 

7.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  trustees  to  see  that  the 
agent  and  editors  properly  and  faithfully  discharge  their 
duties.  In  case  of  dereliction  of  duty,  they  may  suspend 
the  delinquent  party  or  parties  from  office  until  the  Gen- 
eral Conference  ;  provided,  however,  that  no  one  shall  be 
suspended  until  a  copy  of  the  complaints  in  Mriting  has 
been  presented  to  the  accused,  and  an  opportunity  given 
for  defense  before  the  board  of  trustees. 

8.  The  trustees  may  make  any  by-laws  which  may 
seem  to  them  expedient  for  the  regulation  of  the  minor 
concerns  of  the  Printing  Establishment,  provided  they 
are  not  inconsistent  with  any  General  Conference  rule. 

Duties  of  the  Publishing  Agent. 

9.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  agent  to  supervise  and 
manage  the  business  of  the  Printing  Establishment,  un- 
der the  direction  of  the  board  of  trustees ;  to  regulate  the 
publications  and  all  other  affairs  of  the  House,  except  that 
which  pertains  to  the  editorial  departments,  in  such 
manner  as  the  interests  of  the  Church  may  require.  He 
shall  .also  furnish  to  the  local  committee,  at  each  monthly 
meeting,  a  full  and  satisfactory  statement  of  all  the  busi- 
ness transactions  of  the  previous  month ;  and,  if  desired 
by  the  committee,  he  shall  present  for  examination  all 
books,  vouchers,  and  papers,  and  afford  the  committee 
every  means  and  facility  for  a  full  and  intelligent  under- 
standing of  the  business  of  the  Publishing  House.    He 


PRINTING  ESTABLISHMENT  AND  PUBLICATIONS     117 

shall  keep  separate  accounts  with  each  department  of  the 
business,  and  also  each  joeriodical  published,  and  carry 
into  eftect  all  of  the  instructions  of  the  board  of  trustees 
and  local  committee. 

10.  Tlie  agent  and  local  committee  shall  annually  take 
an  account  of  stock,  including  in  the  inventory  all  the  as- 
sets, of  whatever  nature,  of  the  Printing  Establishment 
at  their  estimated  cash  value,  except  the  real  estate, 
which  shall  be  appraised  by  the  local  committee  of  the 
board  of  trustees  at  the  end  of  each  quadrennium,  and 
the  valuation  shall  not  be  changed  prior  to  the  close  of 
the  succeeding  quadrennium  except  by  the  purchase  or 
sale,  improvement  or  destruction,  of  property.  Such  in- 
ventory shall  also  contain  a  full  and  detailed  statement 
of  all  liabilities,  i^rotits,  and  losses. 

11.  The  agent  shall  prepare  and  i^ublish  a  report  of  the 
condition  of  the  Printing  Establishment  annually,  in  the 
Religious  Telescope  and  FrohUche  Bofschafter^  and  he  shall 
also  make  a  report  to  the  General  C-onference.  He  shall 
make  arrangements  for  verbatim  reports  of  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  General  Conference  for  publication. 

Vacancies. 

12.  Should  2iny  vacancy  occur  in  any  of  the  offices  of 
the  Printing  Establishment,  or  in  the  board  of  trustees, 
the  trustees  shall  fill  such  vacancy  until  the  sitting  of  the 
succeeding  General  Conference. 

Employment  of  Time, 

13.  No  editor  or  officer  emploj^ed  in  the  Printing  Es- 
tablishment shall  accept  any  office  or  engage  in  smj  busi- 
ness which  will  interfere  with  the  duties  of  his  office. 

Proceeds. 

14.  The  profits  of  the  Printing  Establishment,  after  a 
sufficient  capital  to  carry  on  the  business  is  retained, 
shall  be  applied  to  the  benefit  of  traveling  and  worn-out 
itinerant  preachers  and  their  widows  and  orphans.  The 
distribution  of  any  available  profits  of  the  Printing  Estab- 
lishment for  this  purpose  shall  be  in  proportion  to  the 


118  DISCIPLINE 

number  of  regular  ministers  in  each  annual  conference 
who  are  itinerants  according  to  the  "Itinerant  Plan "  of 
the  Discipline.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  secretary  of  each 
annual  conference  each  year  to  report  to  the  publishing 
agent,  at  Dayton,  Ohio,  the  true  number  of  such  itiner- 
ants as  shown  by  the  records  of  his  conference ;  also  the 
name  and  address  of  the  conference  treasurer  appointed 
to  receive  the  dividend  awarded  to  the  conference. 

Section  II. 

CHURCH   PUBLICATIONS. 

Book  Committee. 

1.  The  editor  of  the  Religious  Telescope,  the  editor  of 
the  Sabbath-school  literature,  the  editor  of  the  German 
periodicals,  and  the  publishing  agent  shall  constitute  a 
book  committee,  without  whose  sanction  no  book  shall 
be  published  in  the  name  of  the  Church  or  Publishing 
House  during  the  intervals  of  the  General  Conference. 

Authorship  of  Doctrinal  Publications. 

2.  No  one  of  our  preachers  or  laymen  shall  become 
the  author  of  any  doctrinal  book  or  pamphlet,  in  a 
printed  form,  in  the  name  of  the  Church,  without  the 
approbation  of  the  book  committee  or  the  annual  confer- 
ence, or  of  a  committee  chosen  by  the  latter.  And  if  any 
preacher  or  layman  violates  this  rule,  he  shall  be  account- 
able to  the  class  or  to  the  quarterly  or  annual  conference, 
as  the  case  may  be. 


CH/  ^^ER  XXI. 

EDUCATION. 

Section  I. 

BOARD  OF  EDUCATION  — CONSTITUTION. 

1.  There  shall  be  a  general  board  of  education,  known 
by  the  name  of  "The  Board  of  Education,"  under  the 
care  of  the  General  Conference  of  the  Church  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ.  This  board  shall  consist  of 
twelve  members,  elected  by  the  General  Conference,  who 
shall  hold  office  for  four  years,  six  of  whom  shall  be 
clergymen;  the  remainder  maybe  lay  members  of  the 
United  Brethren  Church.  Five  members,  including  the 
president  or  vice-president,  shall  constitute  a  quorum. 
This  board  shall  have  full  power  to  direct  and  supervise 
the  educational  work  of  the  Church,  by  carrying  out  the 
rules  and  regulations  enacted  by  the  General  Conference. 

Officers. 

2.  The  officers  shall  be  a  president,  vice-president, 
recording  secretary,  corresponding  secretary,  and  treas- 
urer. These  shall  be  elected  by  the  members  of  tbe 
board  at  their  first  regular  meeting  after  the  sitting  of 
the  General  Conference,  and  shall  hold  office  until  the 
next  regular  session  of  the  General  Conference. 

3.  The  board  may  elect  any  competent  persons, 
members  of  the  United  Brethfen  Church,  to  be  its 
treasurer  and  corresponding  secretary;  these,  if  elected 
outside  of  the  board,  shall  be  advisory  members  of  the 
board. 

4.  The  corresponding  secretary  is  to  devote  such  por- 
tion of  his  time  to  the  work  of  the  board  as  it  may  direct, 
his  compensation  to  be  fixed  by  the  board. 

5.  In  case  of  vacancy  occurring  in  the  board,  by  death 
or  otherwise,   the  board  shall  have  power    to    fill  the 

119 


120  DISCIPLINE 

vacancy,  the  election  to  be  by  ballot,  and  the  person 
elected  to  hold  office  until  the  next  meeting  of  the  Gen- 
eral Conference. 

6.  There  shall  be  at  least  one  session  of  the  board  each 
year.  Special  meetings  of  the  board  shall  be  called  by 
the  president,  upon  request  of  five  members. 

Objects. 

7.  The  objects  of  this  board  shall  be : 

GENERAL  AIM. 

( 1 )  To  assist  in  every  way  the  cause  of  higher  educa- 
tion in  the  Church,  to  awaken  and  stimulate  an  'nterest  in 
this  important  work  throughout  the  borders  o  jur  Zion, 
to  encourage  and  aid  our  educational  institutions  that  are 
striving  to  bring  the  Church  to  greater  efficiencj^,  and 
to  unite  the  friends  of  education  in  their  efforts,  that 
greater  unity  of  plan  may  be  secured,  and  the  forces  of 
the  Church  combined  to  give  our  people  ad^'antages 
commensurate  with  the  needs  of  the  present  day. 

BENEFICIARY  AID. 

(2)  To  raise  funds  by  collection,  donation,  or  bequest, 
to  aid  by  loan,  without  interest,  as  the  executive  com- 
mittee may  determine,  in  educating,  in  both  their  col- 
legiate and  theological  courses,  worthy  young  persons 
who  are  preparing  themselves  for  the  work  of  the  gospel 
ministry,  or  as  missionaries  in  the  United  Brethren 
Church ;  provided,  however,  that  the  board  shall  have 
power  to  receive  money  and  use  it  for  other  educational 
purposes,  as  donors  may  direct. 

PUBLICATIONS. 

( 3 )  To  seek  by  the  publication  of  tracts,  pamphlets, 
addresses,  or  books  upon  educational  questions,  to  diffuse 
among  our  members  a  more  general  knowledge  of  the 
value  of  a  sanctified  education  and  of  a  well-instructed 
ministry,  and  thereby  awaken  in  them  a  better  apprecia- 
tion of  our  institutions  of  learning,  and  of  the  obligations 
resting  upon  them  to  give  of  their  substance  for  their 
support. 


EDUCATION  121 

REPOKTS  AND  RECOMMENDATIONS. 

(4)  To  make  an  annual  report  of  the  general  and 
financial  condition  of  the  colleges  and  other  educa- 
tional institutions  of  the  Church  ;  to  make  such  recom- 
mendations to  the  managers  of  these  institutions  as  will 
tend  to  make  tliem  more  effective  ;  to  secure,  as  far  as 
may  seem  desirable,  harraonj^  of  courses  of  study  between 
preparatory  schools  and  colleges  and  universities. 

ESTABLISHMENT  OF  SCHOOLS  AND  COLLEGES. 

(5)  To  discourage  the  multiplication  of  schools  and 
colleges  where  they  cannot  be  properly  supported.  Con- 
ferences, or  a  conference,  wishing  to  establish,  relocate,  or 
change  the  grade  of  a  school,  shall  first  counsel  with  the 
Board  of  Education,  both  as  to  the  advisability'  of  the 
measure  proposed,  and  also  as  to  the  method  and  location, 
and  any  school  started  without  the  sanction  of  this  board 
shall  not  be  recognized  as  a  Church  school.  The  board 
shall  make  inquiry  as  to  the  number  of  schools  within 
different  communities,  and  where  found  to  be  too  numer- 
ous, the  board  shall  institute  measures  for  combination 
and  concentration  of  their  resources  and  efforts. 

Collections. 

8.  To  accomplish  these  results,  the  board  may  cause 
an  annual  collection  to  be  taken  on  the  next  Sabbath 
following  the  last  Thursday  of  January,  or  at  such  other 
time  as  the  presiding  elder  of  any  district  may  deem 
most  suitable.  The  preacher  in  charge,  or  some  other 
competent  person,  shall  first  preach  a  sermon  or  make 
appropriate  remarks  concerning  the  object,  plans,  and 
work  of  this  board,  and  then  take  a  collection  in  such 
manner  as  will  secure  the  largest  amount  of  funds.  If 
the  board  thinks  best,  it  may  aj^portion  the  amount  to 
be  raised  by  the  various  conferences,  according  to  their 
number  and  ability,  and  these  in  turn  shall  make  aj)- 
portionments  to  their  respective  fields  of  labor,  and 
the  funds  thus  raised  shall  be  sent  to  the  treasurer  of 
the  board. 


122  DISCIPLINE 

Recommendations  for  Aid. 

9.  Young  persons  aided  by  this  board  must  first  be 
recommended  as  suitable  persons  to  receive  aid,  by  the 
conference  in  whose  bounds  they  live,  or  to  which  they 
belong;  or  by  the  Board  of  Missions,  when  the  applicant 
does  not  reside  within  the  bounds  of  any  conference;  or 
by  an  educational  committee  appointed  by  the  confer- 
ence, to  whom  all  requests  for  aid,  not  acted  upon  by 
conference,  or  which  shall  occur  during  the  interim,  of  its 
sessions,  shall  be  referred. 

Delinquents. 

10.  Any  person  having  received  aid  from  the  Board  of 
Education  shall  not  be  granted  a  recommendation  for  an 
honorable  dismissal  by  his  conference  until  he  shall  have 
made  satisfactory  settlement  with  the  board.  The  bishops 
are  directed  to  enforce  this  provision. 

Executive  Committee  and  By-Laws. 

11.  The  board  shall  have  power  to  axDpoint  an  execu- 
tive committee  from  its  own  body,  and  to  make  such  by- 
laws to  regulate  its  own  proceedings,  and  take  such 
other  measures  to  accomplish  the  object  of  its  creation, 
as  shall  not  be  inconsistent  with  this  constitution. 

Quadrennial  Report. 

12.  The  board,  through  its  corresponding  secretary, 
shall  make  to  the  General  Conference  a  report  of  all  the 
work  done  during  the  preceding  four  years,  including 
money  received  by  collections,  bequests,  or  otherwise,  the 
amount  paid  out,  and  the  purposes  for  which  it  was  paid. 
The  board  may  propose  to  the  General  Conference,  from 
time  to  time,  such  plans  as  it  may  consider  useful  or 
necessary  for  the  success  of  the  work  committed  to  it. 

Amendments. 

13.  No  addition  or  amendment  to  the  provisions  of 
this  constitution  shall  be  made  except  by  consent  of  a 
majority  of  the  members  of  the  General  Conference 
present  at  any  of  its  sessions.     Notice  of  any  proposed 


EDUCATION  123 

addition  or  amendment  shall  be  given  at  least  one  day 
previous  to  its  consideration. 

Section  II. 

_  academies. 

In  this  day  of  excellent  high-schools  in  many  parts 
of  our  country,  academies  should  be  located  judiciously, 
and  should  confine  their  courses  of  study  to  such 
branches  of  learning  as  will  prepare  for  entrance  upon 
the  freshman  or  sophomore  year  of  the  best  colleges. 
An  academy  doing  such  work  is  greatly  preferable  to 
an  inferior  college.  No  new  academy  shall  be  under- 
taken with  a  less  sum  than  twenty-five  thousand  dollars. 

Section  III. 

COLLEGES. 

1.  The  success  of  our  church  work  is  connected  vitally 
with  the  colleges  of  the  Church.  In  these  our  3^011  th 
are  developed  and  equipped  in  mind  and  heart  for  the 
work  of  effective  ser\ice  to  humanity. 

2.  The  ministry  and  laity  should  earnestly  use  their 
power  to  have  as  many  young  people  as  possible  attend 
our  own  institutions  of  learning,  and  to  encourage  per- 
sons to  give  liberally  of  their  means  for  the  more  thor- 
ough establishment  and  equipment  of  our  educational 
institutions. 

3.  For  the  purpose  of  greater  unity  and  efficiency  in 
our  educational  work,  the  General  Conference  directs  that 
after  A.D.  1900  the  length  of  a  course  of  study  leading  to 
degrees  be  three  years  in  the  preparatory  department  and 
four  years  in  the  college,  and  asks  all  the  schools  in  the 
Church  to  adopt  this  standard. 

4.  No  college  shall  be  founded  except  upon  the 
demand  of  an  imperative  necessity,  or  with  a  less  sum 
of  money  than  one  hundred  thousand  dollars,  of  which 
fifty  thousand  dollars  shall  be  a  permanent  and  produc- 
tive endowment,  and  whose  title  shall  be  in  fee  simple 
to  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ.  As  to 
Christian    education,   the   divine  word    aptly  declares: 


124  DISCIPLINE 

"Wisdom  is  a  defense,  and  money  is  a  defense:  but  the 
excellency  of  knowledge  is,  that  wisdom  giveth  life  to 
them  that  have  it." 

5.  It  is  advised  that  any  conference  cooperating  with 
any  of  our  institutions  of  learning  remain  therewith 
until  there  be  an  equitable  adjustment  of  all  outstand- 
ing obligations  of  such  institution,  either  as  may  be 
determined  by  such  conference  and  the  trustees  of  the 
institution,  or  by  the  Board  of  Education. 

College  Extension  Courses. 

6.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  many  of  our  ministers 
and  laymen  who  find  it  impossible  to  go  away  to 
school,  would  be^glad  to  pursue  a  course  of  study,  and  in 
view  of  the  university  and  college  extension  movement 
now  organized  in  most  of  the  schools  of  higher  educa- 
tion in  our  land,  we  recommend, — 

( 1 )  That  all  our  colleges  offer  such  non-resident 
courses  of  study  as  they  may  be  able  to  teach,  for  the 
aid  and  encouragement  of  the  above-named  class  of 
students. 

( 2 )  That  these  students  be  examined  thoroughly  on 
their  courses  of  study,  and  that  suitable  certificates  be 
awarded  those  who  complete  their  work  to  the  satis- 
faction of  the  respective  colleges. 

Section  IV. 

UNION  BIBLICAL  SEMINARY. 

1.  This  institution  of  sacred  learning,  located  at  Day- 
ton, Ohio,  is  maintained  by  the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ  for  the  purpose  of  educating  persons  called  of  God 
to  the  work  of  the  ministry  and  the  spread  of  the  gospel 
of  Christ  among  men.  It  shall  be  under  the  control  of 
the  General  Conference  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ, 
by  which  the  officers  shall  be  elected  at  each  quadrennial 
session. 

Officers. 

2.  The  officers  of  the  seminary  shall  consist  of  a  busi- 
ness manager  and  a  board  of  directors,  who  shall  be 
elected  by  the  General  Conference.    The  board  shall  be 


EDUCATION  125 

composed  of  not  less  than  ten  members  elected  by  the 
General  Conference,  and  may  have  five  additional  mem- 
bers at  large,  to  be  elected  by  the  board  of  directors, 
at  their  option,  for  a  term  not  extending  beyond  that  of 
the  ensuing  General  Conference,  and  the  bishops  of  the 
Church,  who  shall  be  considered  ex  officio  members  ;  pro- 
vided, always,  that  a  majority  of  the  directors  shall  be 
bona  fide  residents  of  the  State  of  Ohio. 

Duties  of  Directors. 

3.  The  board  of  directors  shall  meet  on  the  call  of  the 
senior  bishop  immediately  after  their  election,  and  organ- 
ize by  electing  a  president  and  secretary.  They  shall 
meet  annually  in  the  seminary  building  at  Dayton,  Ohio, 
elect  the  necessary  faculty,  review  the  work  of  the  busi- 
ness manager  and  the  faculty,  determine  the  salaries  of 
the  faculty,  and  adopt  measures  for  the  advancement  of 
the  interests  of  the  institution. 

4.  The  board  of  directors  may  fill  any  vacancy  caused 
by  the  resignation,  removal,  or  refusal  to  serve  of  the 
business  manager  or  trustees. 

5.  The  board  shall  annually  elect  an  executive  com- 
mittee of  five  persons,  who  shall  meet  on  the  call  of  the 
business  manager  and  direct  in  the  execution  of  orders 
and  plans  of  the  board  of  directors. 

6.  The  board  of  directors  shall  make  to  the  General 
Conference  a  report  of  its  work,  giving  such  facts  in  con- 
nection with  the  seminary  as  it  may  deem  of  importance. 

Business  Manager. 

7.  The  business  manager  shall  reside  in  Dayton,  Ohio, 
and  shall  manage  the  assets  under  the  direction  of  the 
executive  committee,  have  charge  of  all  the  property, 
and  manage  the  business  of  the  institution.  He  shall 
solicit,  and,  with  the  consent  and  approval  of  the  board 
of  directors,  or  executive  committee,  employ  others  to 
solicit,  contributions  to  the  seminary.  In  the  name  of 
the  Union  Biblical  Seminary,  and  under  its  corporate 
seal,  the  business  manager  shall  execute  all  deeds  of 
transfer  and  other  legal  documents  which  may  be  author- 


126  DISCIPLINE 

ized  by  the  board  of  directors  or  its  executive  committee. 
He  sliall  report  to  the  board  of  directors  annually,  and  to 
the  General  Conference,  an  account  of  all  receipts  and 
expenditures,  and  the  standing  and  efficiency  of  the 
institution,  with  any  other  important  facts  or  recom- 
mendations. 

Endowment  and  Other  Funds. 

8.  All  moneys  or  values  of  any  kind  given  to  the 
seminary  as  an  endowment  shall  be  held  sacred  as  a 
permanent  fund  and  securely  invested,  the  interest  only 
to  be  used  in  the  maintenance  of  the  seminary.  All 
other  funds  shall  be  used  as  the  interests  of  the  seminary 
may  require  or  as  donors  may  direct. 

Annual  Collections. 

9.  The  annual  apportionment  to  the  whole  number  of 
annual  conferences  for  the  benefit  of  the  seminary  shall 
be  $8,000.  This  amount  shall  be  apportioned  by  the  board 
of  directors  to  the  several  annual  conferences,  and  by  the 
conferences  apportioned  to  the  several  charges,  to  be  col- 
lected by  the  pastors  and  reported  to  their  respective  con- 
ferences; and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  presiding  bishop 
to  see  that  the  full  amount  of  the  assessment  is  properly 
apportioned  to  the  respective  charges.  Ten  per  cent,  of 
the  funds  thus  secured  may  be  used  for  the  support  of  the 
library  in  the  seminary. 

Obligation  of  Faculty. 

10.  Each  professor  chosen  to  a  chair  in  the  seminary 
shall,  upon  the  day  of  his  inauguration,  publicly  sub- 
scribe to  the  following  declaration  of  faith  and  obligation  : 

I  solemnly  declare,  in  the  presence  of  God  and  the  offi- 
cers of  Union  Biblical  Seminary,  that  I  believe  the  Holy 
Scriptures,  Old  and  New  Testaments,  to  be  the  inspired 
word  of  God,  and,  with  the  Holy  Spirit,  the  onl3^  perfect 
rule  of  faith  and  practice.  I  believe  the  Confession  of 
Faith,  as  contained  in  the  thirteen  articles  in  our  Book  of 
Discipline,  to  be  a  truthful  consensus  of  the  fundamental 
doctrines  of  the  Bible.    I  believe  that  the  system  of 


EDUCATION  127 

church  goverument,  as  presented  iu  the  Book  of  Disci- 
pline of  tlie  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  is  consistent  with 
tlie  teachings  of  the  Bacred  Scriptures,  and  I  solemnly 
promise  that  T  will  not  teach  or  insinuate  anything  that 
shall  in  any  way  be  incousistent  with  the  foregoing 
declaration,  or  that  is  not  in  harmony  with  the  Constitu- 
tion and  Confession  of  Faith  and  the  rules  of  the  Church 
as  set  forth  in  the  Discipline  of  the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ.  I  also  promise,  by  divine  assistance,  to  the  best 
of  my  ability,  to  sustain  the  doctrines  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures as  thus  set  forth  by  the  Church,  in  opposition  to  all 
forms  of  error,  as  long  as  I  shall  remain  a  professor  in 
this  institution. 

[Name] 

Entrance  Bxamination. 

11.  The  faculty  shall  prepare  examination  papers  for 
candidates  for  admission  to  the  seminary,  and  arrange  for 
examinations  in  the  respective  conferences  without  ex- 
pense to  candidates. 

Pbstgraduate  Studies. 

12.  The  faculty  may  arrange  postgraduate  courses  of 
reading  to  cover  one,  two,  and  three  years,  for  the  suc- 
cessful completion  of  which  appropriate  seals  shall  be 
placed  upon  the  diplomas  of  alumni.  The  examination 
shall  be  by  correspondence,  or  otherwise,  as  the  faculty 
may  arrange. 

Non-Resident  Students. 

13.  ( 1 )  The  faculty,  board,  and  business  manager  of 
the  seminary  are  authorized  and  directed  to  provide  for 
such  extension  of  work  as  shall,  by  direct  and  indirect 
instruction,  aid  those  who  evidence  a  fitness  for  and  pur- 
pose to  comply  with  the  requirements  of  the  Church  in 
attaining  to  a  higher  standard  of  ministerial  qualifica- 
tion, but  are  so  situated  that  they  cannot  become  resident 
students  of  the  seminary. 

( 2 )  The  Board  of  Education  is  authorized  to  render 
all  possible  aid  to  the  seminary  authorities  in  providing 


128  DISCIPLINE 

for  instruction  to  sucli  non-resident  students,  and  also  to 
provide  for  depositories  with  the  several  conferences, 
especially  the  weaker,  from  which  the  needful  books  of 
the  several  courses  of  study  may  be  obtained  by  loan  or 
rental  by  those  who  may  enter  the  classes  in  any  or  all  of 
the  courses  of  study  provided. 

(3)     Such  a  fee  shall  be  charged  for  the  use  of  said 
books  as  shall  be  necessary  to  meet  the  expenses. 


CHAPTER  XXn. 

HISTORICAL   SOCIETY. 
Section  I. 

GENERAL  CONFERENCE  APPROVAL. 

1.  The  Historical  Society  of  the  Church  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,  located  at  Dayton,  Ohio,  having  for 
its  object  the  collecting  and  preserving  of  papers,  records, 
books,  and  other  materials  bearing  upon  the  histoiy  of 
the  Church,  has  the  recognition  of  the  General  Confer- 
ence. 

2.  Said  society  shall,  through  its  officers,  make  quad- 
rennial reports  to  the  General  Conference. 

Section  II. 

CONSTITUTION. 

Article  I. 

NAME. 

The  name  of  this  society  shall  be.  The  Historical  Soci- 
ety of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

Article  11. 

OBJECT. 

Its  object  shall  be,  to  collect  and  preserve  information 
in  connection  with  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  Church 
of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ;  also,  objects  of  curi- 
osity and  interest,  in  the  form  of  manuscripts,  books, 
pamphlets,  medals,  portraits,  etc. 

Article  III. 

IX)CATION. 

The  business  headquarters,  the  museum,  and  library 
of  the  society  shall  be  located  in  Dayton,  Ohio. 

y  il:9 


130  DISCIPLINE 

Article  IV. 

MEMBERS. 

Section  1.  ADy  person  approved  by  the  board  of 
managers  may  become  a  member  upon  the  payment 
of  an  initiatory  fee  of  one  dollar,  and  may  retain  mem- 
bership by  contributing  one  dollar  annually  thereafter. 
In  case  of  failure  to  j^ay  fees  within  six  months  after 
they  are  due,  membership  shall  be  forfeited. 

Sec.  2.  Any  person  approved  by  the  board  of  man- 
agers may,  by  the  payment  of  ten  dollars,  become  a 
life  member,  and  shall  be  exempt  from  the  payment  of 
the  annual  fee. 

Sec.  3.  The  board  of  managers  shall  have  power  to 
appoint  a  corresponding  member  within  each  of  the 
annual  conferences  of  the  Church;  but,  at  the  request 
of  the  board  of  managers,  a  corresponding  member  may 
be  elected  by  an  annual  conference.  Other  corresponding 
members  may  be  elected  by  the  board,  at  their  option. 

Sec.  4.  Any  person  considered  worthy  of  the  honor 
may,  by  the  board  of  managers,  be  elected  to  honorary 
membership,  without  fees. 

Article  V. 

OFFICERS. 

Section  1.  The  officers  shall  consist  of  a  president, 
first,  second,  and  third  vice-presidents,  secretary,  treas- 
urer, librarian,  and  a  board  of  managers  consisting  of 
these  officers  and  eight  other  members. 

Sec.  2.  These  officers  shall  be  elected  at  each  regular 
annual  meeting,  and  shall  serve  until  their  successors 
have  been  duly  elected. 

Sec.  3.  The  election  of  officers  shall  be  conducted  by 
ballot,  unless  there  be  but  one  nomination,  in  which 
case  the  election  shall  be  by  acclamation. 

Sec.  4.  In  voting  by  ballot,  no  votes  shall  be  counted 
except  those  cast  by  members  present  at  the  meeting,  for 
persons  nominated,  and  a  majority  of  all  votes  cast  shall 
be  necessary  to  election. 

Sec.  5.  The  board  of  managers  shall  have  power  to 
fill  vacancies. 


HISTORICAL  SOCIETY  131 

Article  VI. 

DUTIES  AND  PRIVILEGES  OF  MEMBERS. 

Section  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  members  of  every 
class  to  promote  the  interests  of  the  society  in  every  way 
possible,  by  securing  for  the  society  such  information 
and  such  articles  as  will  be  of  value  in  accomplishing 
the  purpose  of  the  organization. 

8ec.  2.  Annual  and  life  members  shall  be  entitled  to 
all  the  privileges  of  the  society,  including  admission  to 
the  museum  and  library.  Corresponding  and  honorary 
members  shall  be  entitled  to  admission  to  the  museum 
and  library. 

Article  VIZ 

DUTIES  OF  OFFICERS. 

Section  1.  The  duties  of  the  president,  vice-presi- 
dents, secretary,  and  treasurer  shall  be  such  as  are 
usually  performed  by  these  officers. 

Sec.  2.  The  librarian  shall  be  the  custodian  of  the 
property  of  the  society,  and  shall  manage  it  according 
to  the  rules  adopted  by  the  board  of  managers. 

Sec.  3.  The  board  of  managers  shall  have  charge  of 
all  the  interests  of  the  society  in  the  interim  of  the 
annual  meetings.  They  shall  meet  quarterly.  Special 
meetings  may  be  called  by  the  president.  Five  shall 
constitute  a  quorum. 

Sec.  4.  The  treasurer,  librarian,  and  board  of  man- 
agers shall  render  reports  to  the  society  at  the  annual 
meeting. 

Article  VIII. 

PROPERTY. 

All  the  property  of  the  society,  except  its  funds,  shall 
be  deposited  in  a  room  or  rooms  provided  for  the  pur- 
pose, and  shall  be  open  for  the  inspection  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  society  and  others,  under  such  restrictions 
and  regulations  as  may  be  adopted  by  the  board  of  man- 
agers; and  in  no  case  shall  any  article  of  any  kind  be 
removed  from  the  museum  or  depository,  except  by 
order  of  the  board  of  managers,  and  then  only  for  a 
limited  time.    The  depository  shall  contain,  under  the 


132  DISCIPLINE 

same  restrictions  and  regulations,  for  the  benefit  of 
the  members,  a  library,  to  be  formed  as  rapidly  as  cir- 
cumstances will  permit. 

Article  IX. 


Section  1.  All  funds,  after  necessary  expenses  are 
paid,  shall  be  appropriated  to  the  enlargement  and  pres- 
ervation of  the  museum  and  library. 

Sec.  2.  All  bequests  of  money  made  to  the  society 
shall  be  funded  under  the  direction  of  the  board  of  man- 
agers, and  the  interest  thereof  used  for  ordinary  expenses. 

Article  X 

MEETINGS. 

The  society  shall  meet  annually  for  the  purpose  of 
electing  officers  and  transacting  other  necessary  business. 
Twenty-five  shall  constitute  a  quorum.     The  time  of 
meeting  of  the  society  and  the  board  shall   be  deter-, 
mined  by  the  board. 

Article  XL 

AMENDMENTS. 

This  constitution  may  be  amended  at  any  annual 
meeting  bj-  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  members  present, 
provided  that  the  proposed  amendment  shall  have  been 
previously  approved  by  the  board  of  managers,  and  pub- 
lished in  the  Religious  Telescope. 


PART  VII. 
Boundaries. 

CHAPTER  XXin. 

'bishops'  districts.* 

I.  EAST    DISTRICT. 

Allegheny,  Eastern,  East  Pennsylvania,  Erie,  Ger- 
many, Ontario,  Pennsylvania,  Virginia,  West  Virginia, 
West  Africa  Conferences,  and  Virginia  Mission  District. 

II.  OHIO   DISTRICT. 

Auglaize,  Central  Ohio,  East  Ohio,  East  Tennessee, 
Miami,  North  Ohio,  Ohio  German,  Sandusky,  Scioto, 
Southern  Indiana,  West  Tennessee  Conferences,  and 
Chickamauga  and  Kentucky  Mission  Districts. 

III.      CENTRAL    DISTRICT. 

Central  Illinois,  Des  Moines,  Illinois,  Iowa,  Lower 
Wabash,  Michigan,  Minnesota,  Missouri,  Rock  River, 
St.  Joseph,  Southern  Missouri,  Upper  Wabash,  White 
River,  and  Wisconsin  Conferences. 

IV.      WEST    DISTRICT. 

Arkansas  Valley,  California,  Colorado,  Columbia  River, 
East  Nebraska,  Elkhorn  and  Dakota,  Kansas,  Neosho, 
Northwest  Kansas,  Oklahoma,  Oregon,  West  Nebraska 
Conferences,  and  China  and  Japan  Mission  Districts. 

1  By  order  of  the  General  Conference  each  bishop  is  required  to 
reside  within  the  bounds  of  his  own  district. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

ANNUAL-CONFERENCE   DISTRICTS. 
ALLEGHENY. 

1.  Beginning  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Mercer 
County,  Pennsylvania ;  thence  along  the  southern  line  of 
Mercer  and  Venango  counties  to  Clarion  County  ;  thence 
north  along  the  eastern  line  of  Venango  County  to  War- 
ren County ;  thence  along  the  southern  line  of  Warren, 
McKean,  and  Potter  counties ;  thence  north  along  the 
eastern  line  of  Potter  County;  thence  along  the  State  Une 
between  New  York  and  Pennsylvania  to  the  northeast 
corner  of  Bradford  County  ;  thence  south  along  the  east- 
ern line  of  Bradford,  Sullivan,  and  Lycoming  county 
lines  to  the  Susquehanna  River;  thence  down  said 
river  to  the  mouth  of  the  Juniata  River ;  thence  up  the 
Juniata  River  to  the  Tuscarora  Mountains ;  thence  south 
along  the  summit  of  the  Tuscarora  Mountains  to  the 
State  line  between  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania  ;  thence 
along  the  southern  boundary  of  Pennsylvania  to  the 
southwest  corner  of  the  State;  thence  northward  along 
the  western  line  of  Pennsylvania  to  the  place  of  be- 
ginning. 

ARKANSAS   VALLEY. 

2.  Beginning  at  the  northwest  corner  of  the  Neosho 
Conference;  thence  west  to  the  Colorado  State  line; 
thence  south  to  the  south  line  of  the  State  of  Kansas; 
thence  east  along  the  Kansas  State  line  to  the  west  line 
of  the  Neosho  Conference ;  thence  north  to  the  place  of 
beginning. 

AUGLAIZE. 

3.  Beginning  at  Union  City,  Indiana;  thence  west 
with  the  Bellefontaine  &  Indianapolis  Railroad  to  Win- 
chester ;  thence  on  a  straight  line  to  the  southeast  corner 
of  Huntington  County,  Indiana :  thence  on  the  east  line 

134 


ANNUAL-CONFERENCE    DISTRICTS  135 

of  said  county  north  to  the  Wabash  River ;  thence  down 
said  river  to  the  crossing  of  the  Wabash,  St.  Louis  & 
Pacific  Railroad;  thence  with  said  raih'oad  to  Fort 
Wayne,  including  said  city,  but  no  part  of  the  city  of 
Huntington;  tlience  along  the  line  of  North  Ohio  Con- 
ference to  Defiance,  Ohio ;  thence  along  the  line  of  San- 
dusky Conference  to  the  west  line  of  Wyandot  County; 
thence  south  with  the  east  line  of  Hardin  County  to  the 
southeast  corner  thereof;  thence  on  the  nortli  and  east 
lines  of  Union  County,  to  the  Delaware  and  Springfield 
branch  of  the  Cleveland,  Columbus,  Cincinnati  &  Indian- 
apolis Railroad;  thence  with  said  railroad  to  Milford 
Center;  thence  with  the  Pan  Handle  Railroad,  includ- 
ing Urbana  and  Horatio,  to  Covington;  thence  north- 
west along  the  Cincinnati,  Hamilton  &  Dayton  Railroad 
to  Versailles;  thence  west  on  the  Cleveland,  Columbus, 
Cincinnati  &  Indianapolis  Railroad  to  Union  City,  the 
place  of  beginning.  The  Waterhouse  Chapel  shall  belong 
to  Miami  Conference. 

CALIFORNIA. 

4.  Embraces  the  State  of  California. 

CENTRAL  ILLINOIS. 

5.  Beginning  at  Peru,  on  the  Illinois  River ;  thence  up 
the  Illinois  River  to  the  mouth  of  the  Kankakee  River ; 
thence  up  said  river  to  the  city  of  Kankakee;  thence 
with  the  Chicago  branch  of  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad 
to  Tolouo  ;  thence  with  the  Wabash  Railroad  to  Bement; 
thence  direct  to  Shelbyville;  thence  down  the  Okaw 
River  to  Vandalia  ;  thence  direct  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Illinois  River ;  thence  up  said  river  to  the  place  of  be- 
ginning. 

CENTRAL  OHIO. 

6.  Beginning  at  Zanesville,  on  the  Muskingum  River  ; 
thence  west  on  the  Maysville  pike  to  Lancaster ;  thence 
west  on  the  Muskingum  Valley  Railroad  to  the  east 
boundary  line  of  Miami  Conference  (Pontius  appoint- 
ment remaining  with  Pickaway  Circuit )  ;  thence  north 
along  the  east  lines  of  Miami  and  Auglaize  conferences  to 


136  -    DISCIPLINE 

the  Pittsburg,  Fort  Wayne  &  Chicago  Raih^oad ;  thence 
east  along  said  road  to  the  east  Hue  of  Richlaud  County; 
Forest,  Pleasant  Ridge,  Upper  Sandusky,  North  Robin- 
son, Crestline,  and  Osceola  circuits  to  belong  to  Sandusky 
Conference  ;  theace  south  to  the  north  line  of  Knox 
County ;  thence  east  to  the  northeast  corner  of  said 
county ;  thence  south  to  the  southwest  corner  of  Coshoc- 
ton County  ;  thence  southeast  to  Dresden  ;  thence  along 
the  Muskingum  River  to  Zanesville,  the  place  of  be- 
ginning. 

COLORADO. 

7.  Bounded  by  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad  on  the 
north,  and  by  the  State  lines  of  Colorado  on  the  east, 
south,  and  west ;  also  including  the  States  of  Wyoming 
and  Utah. 

COLUMBIA  KIVER. 

8.  Beginning  on  the  northern  boundary  of  the  State 
of  Washington ;  thence  south  along  the  Cascade  Moun- 
tains to  the  Columbia  River;  thence  up  the  Columbia 
River  to  the  mouth  of  the  John  Day  River ;  thence  south 
along  said  river  to  its  source  ;  thence  east  to  the  Oregon 
line,  including  all  the  territory  in  Washington  and  Ore- 
gon east  of  the  line  above  given,  and  also  the  State  of 
Idaho. 

DES    MOINES. 

9.  Embraces  all  that  part  of  the  State  of  Iowa  west 
of  the  Iowa  Conference  line. 

EAST   NEBRASKA, 

10.  Embraces  all  that  part  of  Nebraska  south  of  the 
Platte  River  and  east  of  the  West  Nebraska  Conference 
line. 

EAST    OHIO. 

11.  Beginning  at  the  northeast  corner  of  the  State  of 
Ohio  ;  thence  south  with  the  State  line  and  Ohio  River  to 
Marietta;  tbence  up  the  Muskingum  River  to  Dresden, 
embracing  Hanover,  opposite  Marietta ;  thence  north- 
west to  the  southwest  corner  of  Coshocton  County ; 
thence  directly  north  to  the  northeast  corner  of  Knox 
County  ;  thence  west  to  the  southwest  corner  of  Ashland 


ANNUAL-CONFERENCE    DISTRICTS  137 

County;  thence  north  to  the  mouth  of  VermilHon  River; 
thence  east  along  the  shore  of  Lake  Erie  to  the  place  of 
beginning ;  provided,  that  Orangeville  Church  in  Ohio 
remain  with  Erie  Conference,  and  Beaver  Church  in 
Pennsylvania  with  East  Ohio  Conference. 

EAST   PENNSYLVANIA. 

12.  Beginning  on  the  east  boundary  of  New  Jersey; 
thence  along  the  forty-first  parallel  of  north  latitude  to 
the  Delaware  River ;  thence  down  said  river  to  the  north- 
east corner  of  Bucks  County,  Pennsylvania  ;  thence  along 
the  northwest  boundary  line  of  said  county  to  the  Mont- 
gomery County  line ;  thence  along  the  line  between 
IMoutgomery  and  Lehigh  counties  to  Berks  County; 
thence  along  the  line  between  Berks  and  Montgomery 
counties  to  the  northeast  corner  of  Douglas  Township  in 
Berks  County  ;  thence  along  the  northern  and  western 
lines  of  Douglas  Township,  the  northern  line  of  Amity 
Township,  and  the  northern  and  western  lines  of  Exeter 
Township  in  Berks  County  to  the  Philadelphia  &  Read- 
ing Railroad  ;  thence  up  said  railroad  to  the  upper  depot 
of  the  city  of  Reading ;  provided,  that  the  city  of  Read- 
ing be  occupied  in  common  b^^  the  East  Pennsylvania 
and  Eastern  conferences;  thence  westward  along  the 
line  of  the  Lebanon  Valley  Railroad  to  the  line  be- 
tween Lebanon  and  Dauphin  counties;  thence  north- 
ward and  eastward  along  said  county  line  to  the  Bchuyl- 
kill  County  line;  thence  northward  along  said  county 
line  to  the  top  of  Berry  Mountain ;  thence  along  said 
mountain  to  the  Susquehanna  River ;  thence  down  said 
river  and  the  Chesapeake  Bay  to  the  Atlantic  Ocean; 
thence  northward  along  the  Atlantic  seacoast  and  the 
Hudson  River  to  the  place  of  beginning ;  provided,  that 
the  towns  of  Avon  and  Palmyra  remain  in  the  Eastern 
Conference,  and  Otterbein  Church  of  Harrisburg  in  the 
Pennsylvania  Conference. 

EAST  TENNESSEE. 

13.  Embraces  all  the  territory  in  Tennessee  lying  east 
of  the  Cumberland  Mountains. 


138  DISCIPLINE 


EASTERN. 


14.  Beginning  at  the  northwest  corner  of  Bucks 
County,  Pennsylvania;  thence  along  the  line  of  East 
Pennsylvania  Conference  to  the  Susquehanna  River; 
thence  up  said  river  to  the  southwest  corner  of  Lyco- 
ming County ;  provided,  that  Snyder  and  Union  coun- 
ties and  that  part  of  Juniata  County  now  occupied  by 
the  Eastern  Conference  remain  in  said  conference ; 
thence  northward  along  the  Allegheny  Conference  line 
to  the  northeast  corner  of  Bradford  County,  Pennsyl- 
vania;  thence  east  along  the  State  line  between  New 
York  and  Pennsylvania  to  the  Delaware  River;  thence 
down  said  river  to  the  place  of  beginning;  provided, 
that  the  First  and  Third  churches  in  Baltimore  remain 
in  the  Eastern  Conference. 

ELKHORN  AND    DAKOTA. 

15.  Beginning  at  the  mouth  of  the  Platte  River; 
thence  north  along  the  Iowa  and  South  Dakota  State 
lines  to  the  northeast  corner  of  Moody  County,  South 
Dakota ;  thence  west  to  the  west  line  of  South  Dakota ; 
thence  south  to  the  north  line  of  town  twenty-four  in 
Nebraska ;  thence  east  on  said  line  to  the  source  of  Cedar 
River  ;  thence  down  said  river  to  Fullerton ;  thence  south 
to  the  Platte  River ;  thence  east  along  said  river  to  the  place 
of  beginning. 

ERIE. 

16.  Beginning  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Erie,  at  the  north- 
west corner  of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania;  thence  south 
along  the  State  line  between  Ohio  and  Pennsylvania  to 
the  southwest  corner  of  Mercer  County,  Pennsjivania ; 
thence  east  with  the  line  as  described  in  the  bounding  of 
the  Allegheny  Conference  to  the  New  York  State  line, 
and  including  the  State  of  New  York  and  all  that  part  of 
Pennsylvania  embraced  within  the  above  described  limits ; 
provided,  that  Orangeville  Circuit  be  included  in  Erie  Con- 
ference. 

GERMANY. 

17.  Embracing  all  the  territory  occupied  by  our  mis- 
sions in  Germany. 


ANNUAIi-CONFERENCE    DISTRICTS  139 

ILLINOIS. 

18.  Beginniug  at  the  junction  of  the  Mississippi  and 
Rocli  rivers ;  thence  up  the  latter  stream  to  the  crossing 
of  the  Chicago,  Roclv  Island  &  Pacific  Railroad ;  thence 
east  with  said  railroad  to  the  Illinois  River ;  thence  down 
the  Illinois  River  to  its  mouth ;  thence  up  the  Mississippi 
to  the  place  of  beginning. 

I 

IOWA. 

19.  Embraces  all  that  part  of  the  State  of  Iowa  east 
of  the  following  boundary  line:  Beginning  at  the  north- 
west corner  of  Winnebago  County  ;  thence  south  to  the 
southwest  corner  of  Wright  County ;  thence  east  to 
the  northwest  corner  of  Hardin  County  ;  thence  south 
along  the  county  line  to  the  north  line  of  Story 
County ;  thence  east  to  the  northeast  corner  of  Mar- 
shall County;  thence  south  to  the  southeast  corner  of 
Jasper  County;  thence  west  to  the  southwest  corner 
of  Jasper  Countj' ;  thence  south  to  the  Chicago,  Bur- 
lington &  Quincy  Railroad  ;  thence  west  along  said  rail- 
road to  the  west  line  of  Lucas  County ;  thence  south  to 
the  State  line. 

KANSAS. 

20.  Beginning  at  the  center  of  the  north  line  of  Wash- 
ington County,  Kansas,  run  due  south  to  the  Republican 
River ;  thence  down  said  river  to  its  mouth  ;  thence 
south  to  the  north  line  of  Arkansas  Valley  Conference ; 
thence  east  to  the  State  line ;  thence  north  to  the  north 
line  of  the  State ;  thence  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

LOWER  WABASH. 

21.  Beginning  at  Gosport,  on  White  River;  thence 
with  the  railroad  to  Greencastle ;  thence  with  the  Indian- 
apolis &  Terre  Haute  Railroad,  including  Knightsville 
and  Terre  Haute,  to  the  Wabash  River ;  thence  up  said 
river  to  the  mouth  of  Brulett's  Creek ;  thence  up  said 
creek  to  Cherry  Point ;  thence  west  on  the  line  of  the  In- 
dianapolis, Decatur  &  Springfield  Railroad  to  and  in- 
cluding Tuscola;   thence  north  by  the  Illinois  Central 


140  DISCIPLINE 

Railroad  to  Tolouo;  thence  with  the  described  boundary 
of  the  Central  Illinois  Conference  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Illinois  River;  thence  down  the  Mississippi  River  to 
Cairo ;  thence  up  the  Ohio  ( including  the  Jackson  pur- 
chase in  Kentucky  ),  and  up  the  AVabash  River  and  west 
branch  of  White  River  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

MARYLAND. 

22.  Embraces  all  of  the  State  of  Maryland  not  in- 
cluded in  Pennsylvania,  East  Pennsylvania,  Virginia, 
and  West  Virginia  conferences ;  also  embracing  the  Dis- 
trict of  Columbia. 

MIAMI. 

23.  Beginning  at  the  mouth  of  the  Great  Miami  River ; 
thence  north  on  the  line  between  Ohio  and  Indiana  to 
Union  City,  including  that  city;  thence  east  with  the 
Cleveland,  Columbus,  Ciuciuuati  &  Indianapolis  Railroad 
to  Versailles ;  thence  with  the  Cincinnati,  Hamilton  & 
Dayton  Railroad  to  Covington;  thence  east  with  the 
Pittsburg,  Cincinnati  &  St.  Louis  Railroad  to  the  east  line 
of  Champaign  County,  Ohio;  thence  south  on  the  east 
line  of  the  counties  of  Champaign,  Clark,  and  Greene  to 
the  north  line  of  Clinton  County ;  thence  west  on  the 
north  Hue  of  Clinton  County  to  the  northeast  corner  of 
Warren  County ;  thence  south  on  the  east  line  of  Warren 
County  to  the  north  line  of  Clermont  County  ;  thence 
west  on  the  north  line  of  Clermont  County  to  the  east 
line  of  Hamilton  County;  thence  south  on  the  east  line 
of  Hamilton  County  to  the  Ohio  River;  thence  down  the 
Ohio  River  to  the  place  of  beginning;  provided,  that 
Pleasant  Valley  appointment  in  Clermont  County  shall 
remain  in  Miami  Conference,  and  that  the  cities  of  New- 
port and  Covington,  in  the  State  of  Kentucky,  and  the 
Rockdale  appointment,  in  the  State  of  Indiana,  shall  be- 


MICHIGAN. 

24.     Embraces  all  of  the  State  of   Michigan  not  in- 
cluded in  the  St.  Joseph  and  North  Ohio  conferences. 


ANNUAL-CONFERENCE    DISTRICTS  141 

MINNESOTA. 

25.  Embraces  all  of  the  State  of  Minnesota;  Foulk, 
Spink,  Deuel,  Grant,  and  Coddington  counties  in  South 
Dakota. 

MISSOURI. 

26.  Embraces  all  that  part  of  the  State  of  Missouri 
lying  north  of  the  Missouri  River. 

NEOSHO. 

27.  Beginning  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Chautauqua 
County,  Kansas  ;  thence  north  to  the  south  line  of  Kan- 
sas Conference ;  thence  due  east  to  the  northeast  corner 
of  Linn  Count^^ ;  thence  south  to  the  State  line ;  thence 
south  to  the  southeast  corner  of  Indian  Territory  ;  thence 
west  on  the  territor3^  line  to  a  point  south  of  the  south- 
west corner  of  Chautauqua  County,  Kansas;  thence  north 
to  the  place  of  beginning. 

NORTH   OHIO. 

28.  Beginning  at  the  northwest  corner  of  Branch 
County,  Michigan  ;  thence  east  on  the  north  lines  of 
Branch,  Hillsdale,  Lenawee,  and  Monroe  counties  to  the 
northeast  corner  of  Monroe  County ;  thence  on  the  shore 
of  Lake  Erie  to  the  mouth  of  the  Maumee  River  ;  thence 
up  said  river  to  Defiance,  Ohio,  leaving  the  city  of  Toledo 
to  Sandusky  Conference ;  thence  along  the  Wabash,  St. 
Louis  &  Pacific  Railroad  (the  towns  which  this  line 
touches  to  be  included  within  North  Ohio  Conference )  to 
Fort  Wayne;  thence  (leaving  Fort  Wayne  to  Auglaize 
Conference )  on  the  Fort  Wayne  &  Chicago  Railroad  to 
Columbia  City,  Whitely  County;  thence  due  north  to 
the  line  of  Noble  County ;  thence  east  to  the  corner  of 
Noble  County;  thence  north,  including  the  Salem  ap- 
pointment, to  the  State  line  of  Michigan  ;  thence  west  to 
the  southwest  corner  of  Branch  County,  Michigan ; 
thence  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

NORTHWEST  KANSAS. 

29.  Beginning  on  the  northern  boundary  of  Kansas  at 
the  center  of  Washington  County;  thence  south  to  the 


142  DISCIPLINE 

Republican  River ;  thence  down  said  river  to  its  mouth ; 
thence  due  south  to  the  north  line  of  Arkansas  Valley 
Conference;  thence  west  to  the  Colorado  line;  thence 
north  to  the  Nebraska  line;  thence  east  to  the  place  of 
beginning. 

OHIO  GERMAN. 

30.  Bounded  by  the  State  lines  of  Ohio,  Kentucky, 
Indiana,  and  Illinois.  Permission  is  also  granted  to  go 
into  any  of  the  Western  States  or  Territories,  where 
doors  of  usefulness  may  be  open  to  labor  among  the 
German  population. 

OKLAHOMA. 

31.  Embraces  all  of  Oklahoma,  and  what  is  known  as 
the  Cherokee  outlet. 

ONTARIO. 

32.  Embraces  all  of  the  Province  of  Ontario,  in  the 
Dominion  of  Canada. 

OREGON. 

33.  Embraces  in  its  territory  all  of  the  States  of  Ore- 
gon and  Washington  not  occupied  by  the  Columbia  River 
Conference. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

34.  Beginning  on  the  summit  of  South  Mountain  on 
the  line  between  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania;  thence  to 
Westminster,  Maryland ;  thence  to  Baltimore,  including 
that  city ;  thence  along  the  Chesapeake  Bay  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Susquehanna  River;  thence  up  said  river 
to  the  mouth  of  the  Juniata  River,  except  that  Otter- 
bein  Church  of  Harrisburg  and  Deman's  Island  belong 
to  Pennsylvania  Conference;  thence  up  the  Juniata 
River  to  the  Tuscarora  Mountains;  thence  along  the 
summit  of  said  mountains  to  the  line  between  Penn- 
sylvania and  Maryland;  thence  east  along  said  line  to 
the  place  of  beginning. 

ROCK  RIVER. 

35.  Beginning  at  the  junction  of  the  Mississippi  and 
Rock  rivers ;   thence  east  with  the  northern  boundaries 


ANNUAIv-CONFERENCE    DISTRICTS  143 

of  Central  Illiuois,  Tllioois,  and  Upper  Wabash  confer- 
ences to  the  Indiana  State  line ;  thence  north  on  said 
line  to  Lake  Michigan  ;  thence  along  the  border  of  Lake 
Michigan  to  the  Wisconsin  State  line  ;  thence  along  said 
State  line  to  the  Mississippi  River;  thence  down  said 
river  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

SANDUSKY. 

36.  Beginning  at  the  mouth  of  the  Vermillion  River, 
on  Lake  Erie ;  thence  on  an  air  line  south,  to  the  Pitts- 
burg, Fort  Wayne  &  Chicago  Railroad  ;  thence  west  on 
said  railroad  to  Poorest,  Hardin  County, —  Forest,  Pleas- 
ant Ridge,  Upper  Sandusky,  North  Robinson,  Crestline, 
and  Osceola  circuits  to  belong  to  Sandusky  Conference ; 
thence  north  to  the  south  boundary  of  Hancock  County  ; 
thence  west  along  said  boundary  to  the  southwest  corner 
of  said  county ;  thence  on  a  straight  line  to  Cairo ;  thence 
to  Kalida ;  thence  to  Defiance  ;  thence  down  the  Maumee 
River,  including  all  of  the  city  of  Toledo,  and  along  the 
southern  shore  of  Lake  Erie  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

SCIOTO. 

37.  Beginning  at  Zanesville,  on  the  Muskingum  River ; 
thence  west  on  the  Maj'sville  pike  to  Lancaster  ;  thence 
west  on  the  Muskingum  Vallej^  Railroad  to  the  east  line 
of  Miami  Conference  ( Pontius  appointment  to  remain  on 
Pickaway  Circuit ) ;  thence  north  to  the  northeast  corner 
of  Clinton  County  ;  thence  along  the  Miami  Conference 
line  to  the  Ohio  River;  thence  u])  said  river  to  the  mouth 
of  Muskingum  River  ;  thence  up  said  river  to  Zanesville, 
the  place  of  beginning. 

SOUTHERN    INDIANA. 

38.  Beginning  at  the  southeast  corner  of  Franklin 
County,  Indiana  ;  thence  along  the  line  of  White  River 
Conference  to  the  west  fork  of  White  River;  thence  down 
said  river  and  the  Wabash  River,  to  the  Ohio  River; 
thence  up  said  river  to  Evansville;  thence  across  the 
river  into  the  State  of  Kentucky  ;  thence  eastwardly  and 
northeastwardly,  embracing  a  belt  including  the  city  of 
Louisville,  to  a  point  opposite  the  mouth  of  the  Great 


144  DISCIPLINE 

Miami  River ;  thence  on  the  8tate  Une  between  Ohio  and 
Indiana  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

SOUTHERN   MISSOURI. 

39.  Embraces  that  part  of  the  State  south  of  the  Mis- 
souri River. 

ST.   JOSEPH. 

40.  Beginning  at  Peru,  Indiana,  on  the  Wabash  River ; 
thence  up  said  river  to  Huntington,  including  said  city; 
thence  on  the  Auglaize  Conference  line  to  Fort  Wayne ; 
thence  by  the  Pittsburg,  Fort  Wayne  &  Chicago  Rail- 
road to  Columbia  City;  thence  due  north  to  the  line  of 
Noble  County;  thence  east  to  the  southeast  corner  of 
said  county ;  thence  north  on  the  east  lines  of  Noble  and 
Lagrange  counties  to  the  Michigan  State  line ;  thence 
west  to  the  southeast  corner  of  St.  Joseph  County,  Mich- 
igan ;  thence  on  the  east  and  north  lines  of  said  county  to 
the  Grand  Rapids  &  Indiana  Railroad  ;  thence  to  Viclvs- 
burg;  thence  west  to  Paw  Paw  ;  thence  west  by  the  Kal- 
amazoo and  South  Plaven  Railroad  to  Hartford ;  thence 
to  Lake  Michigan ;  thence  along  the  lake  shore  to  Mich- 
igan City ;  thence  by  the  Lafayette  &  Michigan  City 
Railroad  to  Lafayette,  Indiana,  Michigan  City  and  all 
towns  on  said  railroad  to  belong  to  St.  Joseph  Confer- 
ence, exce^Dt  Battle  Ground  and  Brookston ;  thence  along 
the  Lake  Erie  &  Western  Railroad,  including  the  towns 
of  Jefferson  and  Frankfort  and  the  Newcomer  Church,  to 
Frankfort,  Indiana ;  thence  along  the  Clover  Leaf  Rail- 
road to  Kokomo,  Kokomo  belonging  to  White  River 
Conference  ;  thence  along  the  Lake  Erie  Railroad  to 
Peru,  Indiana,  the  place  of  beginning.  The  lines  of  this 
conference  are  to  be  so  run  as  to  include  that  part  of  the 
city  of  Chicago  beginning  at  Lake  Michigan  in  the  north- 
ern part  of  the  city,  following  Belmont  Avenue  west  to 
the  Chicago  &  Milwaukee  Railroad;  thence  east  along- 
said  railroad  to  Halstead  Street ;  thence  south  with  said 
street  to  and  including  the  town  of  Harvej^,  Rlinois. 

UPPER  WABASH. 

41.  Beginning  at  Lafayette,  Indiana;  thence  by  way 
of  the  Monon  Railroad  to  Michigan  City,  including  the 


ANNUAL-CONFERENCE    DISTRICTS  145 

towns  of  Battle  Ground  and  Brookston  and  Lowell's 
Chapel;  thence  west  to  the  Indiana  and  Illinois  State 
line;  thence  south  on  said  State  line  to  a  point  east  of 
Kankakee,  Illinois;  thence  west  to  Kankakee;  thence 
south  along  the  Chicago  branch  of  the  Illinois  Central 
Railroad  to  Tuscola,  including  Tolono;  thence  south  and 
east  with  the  line  of  the  Lower  Wabash  Conference  to 
Gosport,  on  White  Riv^er;  thence  up  said  river  to  the 
south  line  of  Marion  County  ;  thence  along  the  south, 
the  west,  and  the  north  lines  of  said  county  to  the  White 
River ;  thence  up  said  river  to  the  Monon  Railroad ; 
thence  along  the  Monon  Railroad  to  P'rankfort;  thence 
along  the  Lake  Erie  &  Western  Railroad  to  Lafayette, 
the  place  of  beginning. 

VIRGINIA. 

42.  Embraces  the  State  of  Virginia ;  also  that  part  of 
West  Virginia  lying  east  of  the  west  boundary  lines  of  the 
counties  of  Grant  and  Pendleton  ;  also  that  part  of  Gar- 
rett County,  Maryland,  lying  east  of  the  boundary  of 
West  Virginia  Conference. 

WEST   AFRICA. 

43.  Embraces  all  the  territory  occupied  by  our  mis- 
sions on  the  West  Coast  of  Africa. 

WEST  NEBRASKA. 

44.  Beginning  at  the  northeast  comer  of  Hamilton 
County;  thence  south  to  the  Thayer  County-  line;  thence 
east  six  miles ;  thence  south  to  Nebraska  State  line ; 
thence  west  to  the  southwest  corner  of  the  State  of  Ne- 
braska ;  thence  north  to  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad  ; 
thence  west  to  the  Nebraska  State  line ;  thence  north  to 
the  line  of  the  Elkhorn  and  Dakota  Conference ;  thence 
east  and  south  along  the  boundary  of  said  conference  to 
the  place  of  beginning. 

WEST  TENNESSEE. 

45.  Embraces  all  the  territory  of  the  State  of  Tennessee 
lying  west  of  the  Cumberland  Mountains. 

10 


146  DISCIPLINE 

WEST  VIRGINIA. 

46.  Beginning  with  the  summit  of  the  Alleghany 
Mountains  at  the  line  between  Pennsylvania  and  Mary- 
land ;  thence  along  the  summit  of  said  mountains  south- 
west to  the  Grant  County  line;  thence  along  the  west 
line  of  said  county  to  Pendleton  County  ;  thence  along 
the  west  line  of  said  county  to  the  Virginia  State  line ; 
thence  along  the  State  line  to  the  Kentucky  State  line  ; 
thence  north  to  the  Ohio  River ;  thence  with  said  river  to 
the  Pennsylvania  State  line ;  thence  east  on  said  line  to 
the  place  of  beginning. 

WHITE   RIVER. 

47.  Beginning  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Marion 
County,  Indiana ;  thence  north  to  the  northwest  corner 
of  said  county;  thence  east  to  the  Monon  Railroad; 
thence  along  said  railroad  to  Frankfort,  Indiana ;  thence 
along  the  St.  Joseph  Conference  line  to  Peru,  Indiana, 
Kokomo  to  belong  to  White  River  Conference ;  thence 
up  the  Wabash  River  to  the  Wells  County  line  ;  thence 
south  to  the  southeast  corner  of  Huntington  County; 
thence  on  a  straight  line  to  Winchester;  thence  east- 
ward along  the  railroad  to  the  Ohio  and  Indiana  State 
line;  thence  south  along  the  State  line  to  the  southeast 
corner  of  Franklin  County,  Indiana;  thence  westward 
by  way  of  Greensburg,  Columbus,  Nashville,  and  Bloom- 
ington  to  the  White  River ;  thence  up  said  river  to  the 
south  line  of  Marion  County ;  thence  west  to  the  south- 
west corner  of  said  county,  the  place  of  beginning. 

WISCONSIN. 

48.  Embraces  all  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin. 

MISSION  DISTRICTS. 

Chickamauga. 

( 1 )  Embraces  the  State  of  Tennessee  and  the  country 
south,  wherever  churches  are  organized  among  the 
colored  people. 

Kentucky. 

(2)  Embraces  all  of  the  State  of  Kentucky  not  in- 


ANNUAL-CONFERENCE    DISTRICTS  147 

eluded  in  Miami,  Southern  Indiana,  and  Lower  Wabash 
conferences. 

Virginia. 

( 3  )  Embraces  all  the  territory  in  Virginia  and  West 
Virginia  where  work  is  carried  on  among  the  colored 
people. 

China. 

( 4 )  Embraces  the  territory  occupied  in  China  by  the 
Woman's  Missionary  Association. 

Japan. 

( 5 )  Embraces  the  territory  in  Japan  occupied  by  the 
General  Board  of  Missions. 


PART  VIII. 

Formulas  and  Forms. 

chapter  xxv. 

formulas. 

Section  I. 

RECEPTION    OF    MEMBERS.^ 

When  at  any  meeting  there  are  persons  who  desire  to 
unite  with  the  Church,  the  officiating  minister  shall  call 
the  applicants  forward  and  address  them  as  follows  : 

Dear  Friends  :  We  greet  you  as  you  come  seekiug 
admission  into  the  church  which  our  Saviour  purchased 
with  his  own  blood,  and  rejoice  with  you  that  through 
the  grace  of  God  you  have  been  brought  to  a  I<nowledge 
of  the  truth,  and  have  been  made  partakers  of  his  great 
salvation.  The  privileges  j^ou  seek  are  above  price,  and 
the  duties  enjoined  are  solemn.  It  is  proper  that  you 
publicly  confess  your  faith  and  avow  your  purpose  by 
answering  the  following  questions: 

Questions  to  applicants  : 

( 1 )  Do  you  believe  the  Bible  to  be  the  word  of  God, 
and  that  therein  only  is  contained  the  know^ledge  of  the 
way  of  salvation  ? 

(2)  Have  you  experienced  the  j)ardon  of  your  sins, 
and  have  you  now  peace  with  God  ? 

(  3 )  Are  you  determined  by  the  grace  of  God  to  follow 
Christ,  renouncing  the  world  and  all  ungodliness,  seeking 
to  lead  a  life  of  holiness  and  devotion  to  God  and  his  cause  ? 

( 4  )     Are  you  willing  to  be  governed  by  our  church  dis- 

cii)line,  and  will  you  contribute  to  the  support  of  the 

gospel  as  God  prospers  you? 

iSee  p.  19. 

149 


150  DISCIPLINE 

( 5 )    Have  you  been  baptized  ? 
If  the  answer  to  this  question  be  in  the  negative^  then  the 
applicant  shall  be  instructed  to  attend  to  the  duty  as  soon 
as  practicable. 

Section  II. 

THE   BAPTISM  OF  ADULTS. 

Our  Lord  commanded  his  apostles,  saying,  "Go  ye 
therefore  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the 
name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost"  (Matt.  28:19).  On  the  day  of  Pentecost,  the 
multitude,  under  the  preaching  of  the  word,  "were 
pricked  in  their  heart,  and  said  unto  Peter  and  to  the 
rest  of  the  apostles.  Men  and  brethren,  what  shall  we 
do?  TJien  Peter  said  unto  them,  Repent,  and  be  bap- 
tized every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  for 
the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall  receive  the  gift  of  the 
Holy  Ghost "  ( Acts  2  :  37,  38 ). 

"Then  they  that  gladly  received  his  word  were  bap- 
tized: and  the  same  day  there  were  added  unto  them 
about  three  thousand  souls"  (Acts  2:41). 

Philip,  the  evangelist,  went  down  to  the  city  of  Sama- 
ria, and  preached  Christ  to  the  people.  And  "when 
they  believed  Philip  preaching  the  things  concerning  the 
kingdom  of  God,  and  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  they 
were  baptized,  both  men  and  women"  (Acts  8:12). 

Dearly  beloved,  it  has  pleased  God,  in  his  infinite 
mercy,  to  awaken  you  to  a  sense  of  your  guilt  and  danger, 
and  to  lead  you,  as  we  humbly  trust,  to  repentance  and 
faith  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  By  presenting  yourself 
for  this  holy  sacrament,  you  declare  your  purpose  to  lead  a 
new  life,  and  to  seek  an  inheritance  with  the  righteous  in 
the  "  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens." 

Do  you  then  solemnly  consecrate  yourself  to  Christ  and 
his  service;  and  will  you  endeavor  henceforth  to  keep 
God's  holy  commandments  and  to  walk  in  the  same  all 
the  days  of  your  life?  If  so,  answer,  "  I  will  endeavor  so 
to  do,  the  Lord  being  my  helper." 

The  minister  shall  then  baptize  the  candidate,  the  service  to 
be  concluded  with  a  short  prayer  and  the  benediction. 


FORMULAS  161 

Section  III. 

THE  BAPTISM  OF  CHILDREN. 

"And  they  brought  young  children  to  him,  that  he 
should  touch  them  :  and  his  disciples  rebuked  those  that 
brought  them.  But  when  Jesus  saw  it,  he  was  much  dis- 
pleased, and  said  unto  them,  Suffer  the  little  children  to 
come  unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not :  for  of  such  is  the 
kingdom  of  God.  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  Whosoever 
shall  not  receive  the  kingdom  of  God  as  a  little  child,  he 
shall  not  enter  therein.  And  he  toc^k  them  up  in  his 
arms,  j^ut  his  hands  upon  them,  and  blessed  them" 
(Mark  10:  13-16). 

In  presenting  this  child  for  baptism,  you  not  only 
signify  your  faith  in  the  Christian  religion,  of  which 
baptism  is  an  ordinance,  but  also  your  desire  that  he  [or 
she]  maj^  es^rly  know  and  follow  the  will  of  God,  may 
live  and  die  a  Christian,  and  attain  unto  everlasting  life. 

In  order  to  do  this,  it  will  be  your  duty  as  parents  [  or 
guardians]  to  teach  him  [or  her]  early  the  fear  of  the 
Lord ;  to  watch  over  his  [or  her]  education,  that  he  [or 
she]  be  led  not  astray;  to  direct  his  [or  her]  youthful 
mind  to  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  his  [or  her]  feet  to  the 
sanctuary;  to  restrain  him  [or  her]  from  evil  associates 
and  habits  ;  and  as  much  as  in  you  lies,  to  bring  him  [or 
her]  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 

Will  you  endeavor  so  to  do,  by  the  help  of  God  ?  If  so, 
answer,  "I  will." 

The  minister  shall  then  baptize  the  child,  repeating  the  full 
name  of  the  sayne,  saying : 

I  baptize  thee  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.     Amen. 

All  to  be  followed  with  a  short  prayer  by  the  minister. 
Section  IV. 

THE   HOLY   communion. 

"He  is  despised  and  rejected  of  men;  a  man  of  sor- 
rov.'s,  and  acquainted  with  grief :  and  we  hid  as  it  were 
our  faces  from  him ;  he  was  despised,  and  we  esteemed 


152  DISCIPLINE 

him  not.  Surely  he  hath  borne  our  griefs,  and  carried 
our  sorrows:  yet  we  did  esteem  him  stricken,  smitten  of 
God,  and  afflicted.  But  he  was  wounded  for  our  trans- 
gressions, he  was  bruised  for  our  iniquities:  the  chastise- 
ment of  our  peace  was  upon  him;  and  with  his  stripes 
we  are  healed  "  { Isa.  53 :  3-5 ). 

"And  when  the  hour  was  come,  he  sat  down,  and  the 
twelve  apostles  with  him.  And  he  said  unto  them, 
With  desire  I  have  desired  to  eat  this  passover  with 
you  before  I  suffer:  for  I  say  unto  you,  I  will  not 
any  more  eat  thereof,  until  it  be  fulfilled  in  the  king- 
dom of  God.  And  he  took  the  cup,  and  gave  thanks, 
and  said.  Take  this,  and  divide  it  among  j^ourselves: 
for  I  say  unto  you,  I  will  not  drink  of  the  fruit  of  the 
vine,  until  the  kingdom  of  God  shall  come.  And  he 
took  bread,  and  gave  thanks,  and  brake  it,  and  gave 
unto  them,  saying.  This  is  my  bod}^  which  is  given 
for  you :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me.  Likewise  also 
the  cup  after  supper,  saying.  This  cup  is  the  new  testa- 
ment in  my  blood,  which  is  shed  for  you"  (Luke  22: 
14-20). 

"For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  that  which  also  I 
delivered  unto  you.  That  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  same  night 
in  which  he  was  betrayed,  took  bread :  and  when  he  had 
given  tlianks,  he  brake  it,  and  said.  Take,  eat :  this  is  my 
body,  which  is  broken  for  you  :  this  do  in  remembrance 
of  me.  After  the  same  manner  also  he  took  the  cup, 
when  he  had  supped,  saying,  Tliis  cup  is  the  new  testa- 
ment in  my  blood  :  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in 
remembrance  of  me.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread, 
and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  show  tlie  Lord's  death  till  he 
come"  (LCor.  11:23-26). 

As  many  of  you  as  truly  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  are 
now  invited  to  draw  near,  and  humbly  receive  these  ele- 
ments in  memory  of  the  suffering  and  death  of  j^our 
Lord  and  Saviour. 

Singing. 
Prayer. 
Administration  of  the  elements. 


FORMULAS  153 

Section  V. 

ORDINATION   OF   ELDERS. 

[On  the  day  appointed  for  ordination  services  a  suitable  ser- 
mon shall  be  preached,  whenever  practicable.  The  officiating 
bishop  (or  elder  in  tlie  absence  of  a  bishop)  shall  call,  if  they  be 
present,  one  or  more  elders  to  assist  him  in  the  ceremonies  of 
ordination.] 

1.      ADDRESS  TO  THE  CANDIDATES. 

After  the  names  of  the  candidates  have  been  read  aloud, 
the  bishop  (  or  elder )  shall  address  them  as  follows: 
Au  elder  "must  be  blameless,  as  the  steward  of  God  ; 
not  self-willed,  not  soon  angr3'^,  not  given  to  wine,  no 
striker,  not  given  to  filthy  lucre;  but  a  lover  of  hospi- 
tality, a  lover  of  good  men,  sober,  just,  holy,  temperate  ; 
holding  fast  the  faithful  word  as  he  hath  been  taught, 
that  he  may  be  able  by  sound  doctrine  both  to  exhort  and 
to  convince  the  gainsayers  "  {  Tit.  1 :  7-9 ). 

Are  you  assured  that  you  are  inwardly  moved  by  the 
Holy  Ghost  to  take  upon  you  the  office  of  the  ministry  to 
serve  God  in  the  church  of  Christ  lo  the  honor  and  glory 
of  his  holy  name  ?     If  so,  answer,  "  T  trust  ^f  am." 

Do  you  believe  the  Holy  Scriptures,  Old  and  New 
Testaments  ?    If  so,  answer,  "I  do  believe  them." 

Will  you  apply  due  diligence  to  frame  and  fashion  your 
life  according  to  the  doctrines  of  Christ,  and  to  make 
yourself,  as  much  as  in  you  lies,  a  wholesome  example  to 
tiie  rtock  of  Christ?  If  so,  answer,  "I  will,  the  Lord  being 
my  helper." 

Will  you  loyally  maintain  the  doctrines  and  polity  of 
the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  and  devote 
yourself  with  all  possible  zeal  and  faithfulness  to  the  ex- 
tension of  the  Master's  kingdom  in  whatever  field  you 
may  be  assigned  from  time  to  time  in  the  ministerial 
service?  If  so,  answer,  "I  will  endeavor,  through  the 
grace  of  God,  to  do  so." 

2.     PRAYER. 

By  the  officiating  bishop. 

3.     CHARGE  TO  THE  CANDIDATES. 

After  the  prayer  the  bishop  and  elders  shall  lay  their  hands 
upon  the  heads  of  each  of  them,  and  the  bishop  shall  say : 


154  DISCIPLINE 

Take  thou  authority  to  execute  the  office  of  an  elder 
in  the  church  of  God,  in  the  uaine  of  the  Father,  and  of 
the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.     Amen. 

Hereupon  the  bishop  or  elder  shall  deliver  to  each  of  them 
the  Holy  Bible,  saying : 

Take  thou  authority  to  preach  the  word  of  God  and 
to  administer  the  ordinances  in  the  church  of  Christ, 

4.      PRAYER 

By  the  bishop  or  one  of  the  elders. 

5,     SCRIPTURE   ADMONITIONo 

After  the  prayer  the  bishop  shall  read  Luke  12:35-38; 

"Let  your  loins  be  girded  about,  and  your  lights  burn- 
ing ;  and  ye  yourselves  like  unto  men  that  wait  for  their 
Lord,  when  he  will  return  from  the  wedding;  that  when 
he  Cometh  and  knocketh,  they  may  open  unto  him 
immediately.  Blessed  are  those  servants  whom  the  Lord 
when  he  cometh  shall  find  watching;  verily  I  say  unto 
you,  that  he  shall  gird  himself,  and  make  them  to  sit 
down  to  meat,  and  will  come  forth  and  serve  them.  And 
if  he  shall  come  in  the  second  watch,  or  come  in  the 
third  watch,  and  find  them  so,  blessed  are  those  servants." 

6.      BENEDICTIONo 

The  following  benediction  is  to  be  pronounced  s 

The  peace  of  God  keep  your  hearts  and  minds  in  the 
knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen, 

Section  VI. 

LAYING  CORNER-STONE. 

The  officiating  minister  shall  sayo 

Beloved  :  In  ancient  time  God  commanded  his 
servant  Moses  to  set  up  the  tabernacle  in  the  wilderness, 
and  bestowed  his  blessing  upon  Solomon,  the  king,  in 
erecting  the  temple  in  Jerusalem,  whither  the  tribes 
came  up  to  worship.  In  like  manner  he  has  moved  your 
hearts  to  erect  a  sanctuary,  where,  in  years  to  come,  his 
people  may  assemble  for  prayer  and  praise.    We  have 


FORMULAS  155 

met  together  at  this  time  to  lay  the  corner-stone  with 
proper  religious  services. 

The  follouring  order  of  services  may  then  be  observed: 

1.  Singing. 

2.  Beading  of  Scripture,    (Ps.  132;  I.  Cor.  3:  8-23.) 
5.    Prayer. 

4.  /Singing. 

5.  Se7"nion  or  address. 

6.  Collection. 

7.  Laying  of  stone. 

The  minister  standing  by  the  stone  shall  exhibit  the  box  to 
be  dej^osited,  and  read  the  list  of  contents.  Then  the 
minister^  assisted  by  the  builder,  shall  deposit  the  box 
and  adjust  the  stone  to  its  resting-place.  This  done,  the 
'ininister  shall  strike  the  stoiie  thrice  with  a  trowel  or  ham- 
mer, and  say  : 

In  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  we  lay  this  corner-stone  in  the  foundation 
of  a  house  to  be  erected  and  dedicated  for  the  worship  of 
God,  wherein  his  word  shall  be  preached  and  his  worship 
maintained.    AmeUo 

8.  iSinging. 

9.  Benediction. 

Section  VIL 
church  dedication. 
TJie  following  order  of  service  may  be  usedi 

1.  Scripture  reading.     ( Ps.  84  ;  or,  Isa.  62  and  Ps.  122.) 

2.  Singing. 

3.  Prayer. 

4.  Singing^ 

5.  Sermon. 

6.  Offering. 

7.  Singing. 

8.  Scripture  reading,  with  congregation  standing^ 

"But  will  God  indeed  dwell  on  the  earth?  behold,  the 
heaven,  and  heaven  of  heavens,  cannot  tibntain  cnee ; 


156  BTSCiPLINE 

how  much  less  this  house  that  I  have  builded !  Yet  have 
thou  respect  uuto  the  prayer  of  thy  servaut,  and  to  his 
supplication,  O  Lord  my  God,  to  hearl^eu  uuto  the  cry  and 
to  the  prayer  which  thy  servant  prayeth  before  thee  to- 
day. That  thine  eyes  may  be  open  toward  this  house 
night  and  day,  even  toward  the  place  of  which  thou  hast 
said.  My  name  sliall  be  there ;  that  thou  mayest  hearken 
unto  the  prayer  which  thy  servant  shall  make  toward 
this  place.  And  hearken  thou  to  the  supplication  of  thj^ 
servaut,  and  of  thy  people  Israel,  when  they  shall  pray 
toward  this  place:  and  hear  thou  in  heaven  thy  dwell- 
ing-place; and  when  thou  hearest,  forgive. 

"If  any  man  trespass  against  his  neighbour,  and  an 
oath  be  laid,  upon  him  to  cause  him  to  swear,  and  the 
oath  come  before  thine  altar  in  this  house:  then  hear 
thou  in  heaven,  and  do,  and  judge  thy  servants,  con- 
demning the  wicked,  to  bring  his  way  upon  his  head ; 
and  justifying  tlie  righteous,  to  give  him  according  to 
his  righteousness. 

"  When  thy  people  Israel  be  smitten  down  before  the 
enemy,  because  they  have  sinned  against  thee,  and  shall 
turn  again  to  thee,  and  confess  thy  name,  and  pray,  and 
make  supplicatiou  uuto  thee  in  this  house:  then  hear 
thou  in  heaven,  and  forgive  the  sin  of  thy  people  Israel, 
and  bring  them  again  unto  the  land  which  thou  gavest 
uuto  their  fathers. 

"  When  heaven  is  shut  up,  and  there  is  no  rain,  because 
they  have  sinned  against  thee;  if  they  pray  toward  this 
place,  and  confess  thy  name,  and  turn  from  their  sin, 
when  thou  afflictest  them:  then  hear  thou  in  heaven, 
and  forgive  the  sin  of  thy  servants,  and  of  thy  people 
Israel,  that  thou  teach  them  the'good  way  ^^'herein  they 
should  walk,  and  give  rain  upon  thy  land,  which  thou 
hast  given  to  thy  people  for  an  inheritance. 

"If  there  be  in  the  land  famine,  if  there  be  pestilence, 
blasting,  mildew,  locust,  or  if  there  be  caterpillar;  if 
their  enemy  besiege  them  in  the  land  of  their  cities; 
whatsoever  plague,  whatsoever  sickness  there  be;  what 
prayer  and  supplicatiou  soever  be  made  by  any  man,  or 
by  all  thy  people  Israel,  which  shall  know  every  man  the 


FORMULAS  157 

plague  of  his  own  heart,  and  spread  forth  his  hands 
toward  this  house  ;  then  hear  thou  in  heaven  thy  dwell- 
ing-place, and  forgive,  and  do,  and  give  to  ever^'  man 
according  to  his  ways,  whose  heart  thou  knowest;  (for 
thou,  even  thou  oidy,  knowest  the  hearts  of  all  the  chil- 
dren of  men; )  that  they  may  fear  thee  all  the  days  that 
they  live  in  the  land  which  thou  ga\'est  unto  our  fathers. 

"Moreover  concerning  a  stranger,  that  is  not  of  thy 
people  Israel,  but  cometh  out  of  a  far  country  for  thy 
name's  sake ;  (  for  they  shall  hear  of  thy  great  name,  and 
of  thy  strong  hand,  and  of  thy  stretched-outarm; )  when 
he  shall  come  and  pray  toward  this  house:  hear  thou  in 
heaven  thy  dwelling-place,  and  do  according  to  all  that 
the  stranger  calleth  to  thee  for,  that  all  the  people  of 
the  earth  may  know  thy  name,  to  fear  thee,  as  do  thy 
people  Israel ;  and  that  they  may  know  that  this  house, 
which  I  have  builded,  is  called  by  thy  name"  (I.  Kings 
8:27-43). 

"  We  will  go  into  his  tabernacles:  we  will  worship  at 
his  footstool"  (Ps.  132:  7). 

"For  the  Lord  hath  chosen  Zion;  he  hath  desired  it 
for  his  habitation.  This  is  my  rest  forever :  here  will  I 
dw^ell ;  for  I  have  desired  it.  I  will  abundantly  bless  her 
provision  :  I  will  satisfy  her  poor  with  bread.  I  will  also 
clothe  her  priests  with  salvation;  and  her  saints  shall 
shout  aloud  for  joy"  (Ps.  132:13-16). 

"Now,  my  God,  let,  I  beseech  thee,  thine  eyes  be  open, 
and  let  thine  ears  be  attent  unto  the  prayer  that  is  made 
in  this  place.  Now  therefore  arise,  O  Lord  God,  into 
th3^  resting-place,  thou,  and  the  ark  of  thy  strength:  let 
thy  priests,  O  Lord  God,  be  clothed  with  salvation,  and 
let  thy  saints  rejoice  in  goodness  "  ( II.  Chr.  6 :  40,  41  ). 

"Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  from  everlasting  to 
everlasting:  and  let  all  the  people  say.  Amen.  Praise  ye 
the  Lord  "  (Ps.  106:  48) „ 

9.  Charge  to  the  trustees. 

10.  Delivery  of  the  keys  in  the  nayne  of  the  Trinity  to 
hold  in  trust  for  God  and  the  United  Brethren  in  Chnst. 

11.  Doxology^ 

12.  Benediction 


158  DISCIPLINE 

Section  VIII. 

MARRIAGE  CEREMONY, 

The  minister  shall  say: 

We  are  gathered  together  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  in 
the  presence  of  these  witnesses,  to  join  together  N.  and 
M.  as  husband  and  wife.  The  institution  of  marriage  is 
coeval  witli  the  family  of  man.  God  saw  that  it  was  not 
good  for  man  to  be  alone  even  in  paradise,  and  formed 
and  gave  to  him  woman,  that  she  might  be  a  "help  meet 
for  him."  This  union,  like  that  of  the  body  and  soul,  is 
only  to  be  severed  by  the  hand  of  death. 

Here  the  minister  may  say: 

If  an.y  person  present  knows  any  just  cause  or  impedi- 
ment why  these  persons  should  not  be  joined  in  marriage, 
let  the  same  now  speak  or  forever  keep  silent. 

No  impediment  being  alleged^  the  minister^  addressing  the 

persons  to  he  marriedy  shall  further  say: 

Deeming  it  sufficient  to  refer  you  to  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures concerning  the  duties  you  will  henceforth  owe  to 
each  other,  I  will  proceed  to  receive  your  mutual  plighted 
faith,  and  seal  your  marriage  vows. 

To  the  man: 

Will  you  have  this  woman  to  be  your  wedded  wife,  to 
live  with  her  after  God's  ordinance;  will  you  love,  honor, 
comfort,  and  cherish  her,  in  sickness  and  in  health,  in 
prosperity  and  adversity,  and  forsaking  all  others,  keep 
yourself  to  her  only,  so  long  as  you  both  shall  live  ?  If 
so,  answer,  "I  will." 

To  the  woman: 

Will  you  have  this  man  to  be  your  wedded  husband, 
to  live  with  him  after  God's  ordinance;  will  you  love, 
honor,  comfort,  and  cherish  him,  in  health  and  in  sick- 
ness, in  prosperity  and  adversity,  and  forsaking  all  others, 
keep  yourself  unto  him  only,  so  long  as  you  both  shall 
live?    If  so,  answer,  "I  will." 

The  minister  shall  then  join  their  right  handSy  and  placing 
his  right  hand  upon  their s^  shall  say: 


FORMULAS  lo9 

Those  whom  God  hath  joined  together  let  no  man  put 
asunder.  Inasmuch  as  you  have  consented  together  in 
marriage,  and  have  declared  the  same  before  God  and  in 
the  presence  of  these  witnesses,  I  pronounce  you  husband 
and  wife,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and 
of  the  Holy  Ghost.    Amen. 

The  minister  may  then  offer  a  brief  extempore  prayer^  to 

be  followed  by  this  benediction  : 

May  God  the  gracious  Father  bless,  preserve,  and  keei> 
you;  the  Lprd,  mercifully,  with  his  favor,  look  ui:>on  you, 
and  fill  you  with  all  spiritual  blessings  and  grace,  that 
you  may  so  live  together  in  this  life  that  in  the  world  to 
come  you  may  have  everlasting  life.    Amen. 

Section  IX. 

MARRIAGE  CEREMONY  WITH  RING. 

The  minister  shall  say: 

Dearly  beloved,  we  are  here  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  in 
the  presence  of  these  witnesses,  to  unite  together  these 
two  persons  in  holy  marriage.  They  have  passed  satis- 
factorily the  tests  and  requirements  of  the  family,  of  the 
state,  and  of  the  church,  and  now  stand  unchallenged  in 
this  presence  to  be  admitted  into  that  holy  state  com- 
manded by  the  word  of  God,  to  be  had  in  honor  among 
all  men. 

It  is  becoming  that  this  marriage  relation  be  entered 
mto  discreetly,  reverently,  advisedly,  soberly,  and  in  the 
fear  of  God.  I,  therefore,  a  minister  of  the  blessed  gospel, 
entreat  you  both  to  seek  the  help  of  God,  in  this  moment 
and  in  all  your  privileges  and  duties,  that  His  love  and 
grace  may  make  your  union  fruitful  of  comfort  and  use- 
fulness, and  a  furtherance  of  your  salvation  and  everlast- 
ing life. 

To  the  man: 

Do  you  take  this  woman  before  God  and  these  wit- 
nesses to  be  your  wife?    If  so,  answer,  "I  do." 

Do  you  promise  to  love  and  honor  her,  defend,  support, 
and  comfort  her,  in  health  and  in  sickness,  in  joy  and 


160  DISCIPLINE 

in  sorrow,  in  prosperity  and  adversity  ?    If  so,  answer, 
♦'I  do." 

Will  you  be  faithful  to  her  in  all  things,  and  endeavor 
to  be  a  good  husband  to  her  so  long  as  you  both  shall  live  ? 
If  so,  answer,  "I  will." 

lb  the  ivoman: 

Do  you  take  this  man,  before  God  and  these  witnesses, 
to  be  your  husband?    If  so,  answer,  "I  do." 
,     Do  you  promise  to  love,  honor,  and  comfort  him,  in  joy 
and  in  sorrow,  in  health  and  in  sickness,  in  prosperity 
and  adversity?    If  so,  answer,  "I  do." 

Will  you  be  faithful  to  him  in  all  things,  and  endeavor 
to  be  a  good  wife  to  him  so  long  as  you  both  shall  live? 
If  so,  answer,  "I  will." 

What  token  and  pledge  do  you  offer  that  you  will 
faithfully  perform  these  covenant  vows  ? 

The  man  shows  the  ring,  holding  it  in  his  right  hand,  and 
answers : 
This  ring. 

The  minister  shall  say  to  the  woman : 

Do  you  accept  this  ring  in  token  of  the  same  covenant 
upon  your  part?    If  so,  answer  "I  do." 

Then  the  man,  the  minister  guiding  his  right  hand,  shall 

place  the  ring  on  the  third  finger  of  her  left  hand,  and 

the  minister  shall  say: 

Let  us  pray. 
He  may  offer  an  extempore  prayer  or  use  the  follounng : 

Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  thou  hast  recorded  the 
promises  of  these  thy  servants  now  made  to  each  other. 
We  entreat  thee  to  unite  their  hearts  and  lives  in  the 
bond  of  a  true  and  abiding  affection,  that  they  may  share 
all  the  blessings  of  a  happy  marriage.  May  their  lives  be 
preserved  from  evil,  and  their  love  know  no  doubt,  but 
grow  in  purity  and  sweetness  with  the  number  of  their 
years.  Bestow  upon  them  the  Holy  Spirit  and  true  heav- 
enly wisdom,  that  they  may  be  preserved  from  all  things 
which  have  a  tendency  to  diminish  the  happiness  of  this 


FORMULAS  161 

holy  estate.  Enable  them  by  thy  grace  to  live  together 
according  to  thy  holy  will,  and  may  they  at  last  enter 
into  eternal  life  and  fellowship  with  thy  saints  in  the 
kingdom  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

Then  shall  the  minister  request  them,  to  join  their  Hght 

hands ;  the  minister.,  laying  his  right  hand  upon  theirs^ 

shall  say  to  them  : 

Inasmuch  as  you  have  covenanted  together  in  these 
sacred  bonds,  and  have  witnessed  the  same  by  this  token, 
I  pronounce  you  husband  and  Mife,  in  the  name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.     Amen. 

What  therefore  God  hath  joined  together  let  no  man 
put  asunder. 

"The  Lord  bless  thee  and  keep  thee.  The  Lord  make 
his  face  to  shine  upon  thee  and  be  gracious  unto  thee. 
The  Lord  lift  up  his  countenance  upon  thee  and  give  thee 
peace."    Amen. 

Section  X. 

BUBIALi  OF  THE   DEAD. 

After  the  coffin  is  lowered  into  the  grave.,  the  m.inister  shall 

repeat  the  folloiving  : 

"  Man  that  is  born  of  a  woman  is  of  few  days  and  full 
of  trouble.  He  cometh  forth  like  a  flower,  and  is  cut 
down:  he  fleeth  also  as  a  shadow,  and  continueth  not." 
"Lord,  make  me  to  know  mine  end,  and  the  measure  of 
my  days,  what  it  is  ;  that  I  may  know  how  frail  I  am." 

In  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death ;  unto  whom 
should  we  seek  for  succor  but  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  who  for 
our  sins  art  justly  displeased?  Our  hope  is  in  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ,  who  hath  said,  "I  am  the  resurrection,  and 
the  life :  he  that  believe th  in  me,  though  he  were  dead, 
yet  shall  he  live  :  and  whosoever  liveth  and  believeth  in 
me  shall  never  die."  "For  we  know  that  if  our  earthly 
house  of  this  tabernacle  were  dissolved,  we  have  a  build- 
ing of  God,  a  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the 
heavens." 

"And  I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven  saying  unto  me, 
Write,  Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord  from 
11 


162  DISCIPLINE 

henceforth:  Yea,  saith  the  Spirit,  that  they  may  rest 
from  their  labors;  and  their  worlds  do  follow  them." 

"  There  shall  be  no  more  death,  neither  sorrow,  nor  cry- 
ing, neither  shall  there  be  any  more  pain :  for  the  former 
things  are  passed  away." 

Inasmuch  as  God  in  his  wise  providence  has  called  out 
of  time  into  eternity  the  soul  of  our  brother  [sister  or 
child],  we  commit  his  [or  her]  remains  to  the  ground, 
earth  to  earth,  ashes  to  ashes,  dubt  to  dust,  in  the  confi- 
dent hope  of  tlie  general  resurrection  through  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  at  his  coming  and  glory;  that  this  cor- 
ruptible body  shall  be  raised  up  and  be  fashioned  like 
unto  the  glorious  body  of  Christ,  be  reunited  with  the 
soul,  and  be  received  into  everlasting  habitations.    Amen. 

Benediction. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

FORMS. 
Section  I. 

CERTIFICATES   AND  LICENSES. 

1.     Certificate  of  Transfer  of  Member. 

This  is  to  certify  tiiat  A.  B.  is  an  acceptable  member 

of  the  Churcli  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  at 

Class,  Charge,  Conference,  and  is  hereby 

transferred  to Society,  of Charge, Con- 
ference. 

Pastor. 

[  Date,  etc.] 

2.     Certificate  of  Membership. 

This  is  to  certify  that  A.  B.  is  a  member  in  good  stand- 
ing of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  at 

,  and  is  hereby  recommended  to  the  confidence  and 

fellowship  of  Christians  everywhere. 

Pastor. 

[Date,  etc.] 

5.     Certificate  of  Withdrawal. 

This  is  to  certify  that  A.  B.  has  been  until  this  date  a 
member  in  good  standing  of  the  Church  of  the  United 

Brethren    in    Christ,   at ,  and  at request  is 

granted  this  letter  of  withdrawal  and  recommendation 
from  the  Church  by  a  vote  of  the  class. 

Pastor. 

[Date,  etc.] 

4.    License  for  Quarterly-  Conference  Preacher. 

This  is  to  certify  that is  an  approved  preacher  of 

the  gospel  in  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in 

163 


164  DISCIPLINE 

Christ,  as  long  as  his  conduct  and  doctrine  are  conform- 
able with  the  gospel  of  Christ,  as  held-  by  this  Church. 

Given  at  a  quarterly  conference,  held  on charge, 

this day  of in  the  year  of  our  Lord . 

Subject  to  renewal  annually. 

P.E. 

[  Date,  etc.  ] 

5.    License  for  Exhorter. 

This  is  to  certify  that is  an  approved  exhorter  of 

the  gospel  in  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ,  as  long  as  his  conduct  and  doctrine  are  conform- 
able with  the  gospel  of  Christ,  as  held  by  this  Church. 

Given  at  a  quarterly  conference,  held  on charge, 

this day  of in  the  year  of  our  Lord . 

Subject  to  renewal  annually. 

P.E. 

[  Date,  etc.  ] 

6.    Permanent  License  for  Quarterly- Conference  Preacher. 

This  is  to  certify  that has  completed  the  course 

of  reading  required,  and  is  hereby  granted  a  permanent 
license  as  a  quarterly-conference  preacher  in  the  Church 
of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

P.E. 

[Date,  etc.] 

7.    Annual- Conference  Preacher^  s  License! 

This  is  to  certify  that is  an  approved  preacher  of 

the  gospel  in  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ, 
as  long  as  his  conduct  and  doctrine  are  conformable  with 
the  gospel  of  Christ.     Given   at  an  annual  conference, 

held  in this day  of in  the  year  of  our 

Lord .    Signed  in  behalf  of  said  conference. 

Bishop 

[Date,  etc.] 


FORMS  165 

8.     Elder^s  License. 

This  is  to  certify  tliat  is  an  approved  preacher 

of  the  gospel  iu  the  Churcli  of  the  United  Brethren 
in  Christ,  as  long  as  his  conduct  and  doctrine  are 
conformable  with  the  gospel  of  Christ,  and  has  been 
ordained  to  the  office  of  an  elder  by  the  laying  on  of 
hands. 

Given  at  an  annual  conference  held  iu this 

day  of in  the  year  of  our  Lord . 

Signed  and  sealed  in  behalf  of  said  conference. 

Bishop. 

[  Date,  etc.  ] 

9.     Transfer  of  Preacher. 

This  is  to  certify  that is  a of  the  Church 

of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ  of Conference, 

and  is  hereby  transferred  to Conference  of  said 

Church. 

Bishop. 

[  Date,  etc.  ] 

Section  IT. 

BEQUESTS. 

10.    Home^  Frontier^  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society. 

I  give  and  bequeath  to  the  Home,  Frontier,  and  Foreign 
Missionary  Society  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ, 
organized  by  the  General  Conference  of  said  Church, 
May  20,  1853,  and  incorporated  in  Butler  County,  Ohio, 

September  23,  1854,  the  sum  of dollars ;  and  the 

receipt  of  the  treasurer  of  the  society  shall  be  a  suffi- 
cient discharge  thereof  to  my  executors  and  adminis- 
trators. 

[Name] 

11.     Church- Erection  Society. 

I  bequeath  to  the  Church-Erection  Society  of  the 
United   Brethren   in  Christ  the  sum  of  dollars. 


166  DISCIPLINE 

to  be   invested   according   to    the  constitution  of   this 
society. 


[Name]. 


12.     Woman's  Missionary  Association. 

I  give,   devise,   and  bequeath   to   the  Woman's  Mis- 
sionary Association  of  the  United  Bretliren   in  Christ, 

the  sum  of ,  to  be  applied  to  the  purposes  set  forth 

in    the   Articles    of   Incorporation    adopted    March   28, 
1890. 


[  Name  ] , 


13.     Church  Trustees. 

I  give,  devise,  and  bequeath  to  the  "  The  Tiiistees  of 
the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,"  an  incorporation  located 
at  Dayton,  Ohio,  for  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren 
in  Christ, 
Dollars, 

to  be  applied  as  follows : 

(Here  state  precisely  the  purpose  for  which  the  bequest  is 
made,  or  say,  "  to  be  used  at  the  discretion  of  said  trustees  to  pro- 
mote the  cause  of  Christianity  in  said  Church.") 


[Name]. 


14.     Union  Biblical  Seminaoy. 

I  give  and  bequeath  to  the  Union  Biblical  Seminary  of 
the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  located  at  Dayton,  Ohio, 
authorized  bj^  the  General  Conference  of  said  Church  in 
Lebanon,  Pennsylvania,  May  2,  1869,  and  incorporated 

according  to  the  laws  of  Ohio,  the  sum  of dollars; 

and  the  receipt  of  the  business  manager  shall  be  a  suffi- 
cient discharge  thereof  to  my  executors. 

[Name] 


FORMS  167 

Section  III. 

REPORTS. 

15.     Pastor^s  Quarterly  Report. 

QUARTERLY    REPORT,    ANNUAL    CONFERENCE,    UNITED 

BRETHREN  IN   CHRIST. 


District. 

CLASSES  OR  FIEI.DS  OF   LABOR. 

Circuit. 

Mission. 

Quarter. 

189.. 

1 

c 

2 

0} 

o 
c 

t 
% 

3 

S3 
O 

i 

> 

6 

1 

H 

Members  received 

. 

Members  lost 

Members  at  present 

Baptisms 

Discourses  preached 

Pastoral  visits 

Class-meetings  held 

Pastor's  salary 

Presiding  Elder's  salary . . 

Telescopes 

Woman's  Ecangels 

Watchwm-ds 

Search  Lights 

Quartei'Iy  Reviews 

Collected  for  missions 

Collected  for  ch.  expenses 

Collected  for  

Collected  for  

Collected  for 

Collected  for  

,  Pastor. 


[The  blanks  can  be  filled  out  to  suit  either  pastor  or  presiding 
elder,  as  the  presiding  elder  would  simply  give  the  total  column 
of  each  work.] 


3. 


5. 


16.     Sabbath- School  Super mtendenV s  Report. 

Sabbath  School^  Quarter. 

[Date.] 

Number  of  officers  and  teachers 

Number  of  scholars  enrolled 

(a)  General  Department 

(6)  Home  Department 

Average  attendance 

Children's  Friends , 

Children's  Visitors 


168  DISCIPLINE 


6.  Lessons  for  the  Little  Ones 

7.  Quarterlies , 

8.  Bible  Teachers , 

9.  Amount  of  collections 

10.  Expenses  of  the  quarter  ... 

11.  Contributions  for  missions 

12.  Remarks. 


,  Superintendent. 


n.     Report  of  President  of  Young  People^  s  Society. 

Class^  Quarter. 

[Date.] 

1.  Number  of  iiiembers  at  beginning  of  quarter: 

Active Associate 

2.  Members  received 

3.  Members  lost 

4.  Present  membership 

5.  Number  associate  members  converted 

6.  Number  meetings  held 

7.  Number  Watchwords  iixken 

8.  Funds  collected 

9.  For  what  purposes 

10.  Remarks. 

President. 

18.     Class-Leader^  s  Report. 

Class^  Quarter. 

[Date.] 

1.  Number  of  members 

2.  Number  of  meetings  held 

3.  Average  attendance 

4.  Number  of  sick  and  delinquent  members  visited 

Class-Leadei. 

19.     Contribution  Card. 

Church [Date.] 

I  hereby  agree  to  pay  to  the  order  of  the  treasurer  of 

Church  the  sum  of weekly,  during  the 

year  beginning  ,  for  pastor's  salary  and  other 

church  expenses 

[Signed] 


FORMS  169 

20.     Class- Steivarcfs  Report. 

Class,   Quarter. 

[Date.] 

1.  Apportionnieut  for  year 

2.  Amount  due  at  end  of  quarter 

3.  Amount  paid 

4.  Deficit 

5.  Surplus 

Steward. 

21.     Annual  Report  of  Treasurer  of  Board  of  Church  or 
Parsonage  Trustees. 

1.    Jteceipts.  Dots.  Cls. 


(1) 

[% 

Dishu 

[I] 

Indebt 

(3) 

Numt 
Rema 

By  subscriptions 

By  donations 

Interest 

Collections 

Rents 

Total  receipts 

2. 

rsements. 
Erection  of Church  at 

DoU. 

Cts. 

Paid  on  debt  — 

(a)    Principal 



( h )    Interest 

Paid  for  repairs 

For  improvements 

Total  disbursements 

3. 

edness. 
Principal 

DoU. 

Cis. 

Interest 

Bills  unpaid 

Total  indebtedness 

4. 

er  of  meetings  held ; 

5. 

rks 

Tre£ 

isurei 

r. 

INDEX. 


Absent  voters  for  General  Conference  delegates,  39. 
Absentees  from  annual  conference,  37. 
Academies,  123. 
Agent  of  Printing  Establishment: 

duties  of,  116. 

election  of,  115. 
Aid: 

from  Board  of  Education  to  students,  122. 

from  Church-Erection  Society,  113. 

from  General  Sunday-School  Board,  how  obtained, 
Allegheny  Conference,  boundary  of,  134. 
Amenability  of  certified  members,  28. 
Annual  Conference  : 

absentees  from,  37. 

address  at,  54. 

appeals  from,  72,  73. 

appeals  to,  35,  72. 

authority  of,  37. 

bishop  pro  tempore,  36. 

boundaries,  16,  134. 

devotions,  36. 

division  into  fields  of  labor,  60. 

electioneering  forbidden,  37^ 

examination  of,  16,  41. 

examination  of  preachers,  36. 

lay  representation  in,  35. 

members  of,  35. 

missionary  collections  at,  54. 

order  of  business  at,  37. 

presiding  officers,  36,  52. 

questions  to  be  asked,  37. 

secretaries,  36. 

sermon  and  address  at,  54. 

Sunday-school  secretary  and  treasurer.  90. 
Appeals  : 

court  of,  72. 

from  annual  conference,  72. 

from  class,  27,  72. 

from  quarterly  conference,  34,  72. 

from  stationing  committee,  60. 

right  of,  17,  27. 

171 


172  INDEX 

Applicants  for  Church  membership  : 

committee  to  examine,  20. 

questions  to,  19. 
Apportionment  to  members,  35. 
Arkansas  Valley  Conference,  boundary  of,  134. 
Auglaize  Conference,  boundary  of,  134. 
Authorship  of  doctrinal  publications,  118. 

Baptism  : 

doctrine  of,  13. 

formula,  for  adults,  150. 
for  children,  151. 

upon  admission  into  the  Church,  20. 
Beneficiary  aid : 

collections  for,  121. 

object,  120. 

recommendations  for,  122. 
Benevolent  and  Educational  Institutions,  99. 
Bequests : 

forms  of,  165. 

General  Board  of  Church  Trustees,  86. 

Missionary  Society,  103. 

Woman's  Missionary  Association,  107. 
Bishops : 

address  and  sermon,  54. 

announcement  of  representation  in  the  General  Conference,  38. 

annual  meeting  of,  53. 

attendance  at  conference,  52,  53. 

connection  with  educational  work,  54. 

delinquency  of,  55. 

districts  of,  133. 

duties  of,  16,  52,  53. 

election  of,  16,  52. 

eligibility  to  oflSce  of,  16. 

emeritus,  52. 

pro  tempore,  36. 

reports  of,  54. 

residences  of,  53. 

salaries  of,  53. 

supervision  of  foreign  work,  55. 

vacancy  in  office  of,  54. 
Board  of  Education,  119. 
Book  Committee,  118. 
Boundaries,  133. 

annual-conference,  134. 

bishops'  districts,  133. 
Branch  missionary  societies : 

constituted,  how,  102. 

contributions  to,  102. 

secretary  and  treasurer  of,  102. 


INDEX  173 


Branch  society  W.  M.  A.,  constitution  of,  107. 
Building  of  church  houses  and  parsonages,  81. 
Burial  of  the  dead,  formula  for,  161. 

California  Conference,  boundary  of,  135. 
Central  Illinois  Conference,  boundary  of,  135. 
Central  Ohio  Conference,  boundary  of,  135. 
Certificates  : 

of  membership,  form  of,  163. 

of  transfer  of  member,  form  of,  163. 

of  transfer  of  preacher,  form  of,  165. 

of  withdrawal,  form  of,  163. 
Chickamauga  Mission  District,  147. 
Children,  home  training  of,  63. 
China  Mission  District,  147. 
Church: 

government  of,  29. 

origin  of,  7. 

trustees  of,  86. 
Church-Erection  Society  : 

application  for  aid,  113. 

apportionment  and  division  of  funds,  112. 

conference  branches,  112. 

constitution  of,  HI. 

insurance  for  security  of,  114. 

loans,  113. 

object  of,  111. 

officers  of,  111. 
duties  of.  111. 
Church  houses  : 

abandoned,  83. 

appointing  trustees,  81. 

building  of,  82. 

conditions  of  mortgages  and  liens,  83. 

duties  of  trustees,  81. 

formula  for  dedication  of,  155. 

plans  for,  85. 

real  estate,  84. 

sale  and  rent  of,  83. 

transfer  of,  84. 

vacancies  in  board  of  trustees,  81. 
Church  records,  61. 

Circulating  church  literature,  duty  of,  61. 
Classes  : 

disbanding,  29. 

division  of  church  into,  29. 

local  church  organization,  29. 
Classification  of  ministry : 

classes,  47. 

how  determined,  48. 


174  INDEX 

Class-leaders : 

dismissal  of,  30. 

duties  of,  30. 

election  of,  29. 

in  election  of  General  Conference  delegates,  39. 

in  trials,  26. 

qualifications  of,  30. 

records  of,  27,  30. 

report,  form  of,  167. 
Class-stewards  : 

appointment  of,  30. 

dismissal  of,  31. 

duties  of,  31. 

in  election  of  General  Conference  delegates,  3^ 
Collections : 

general,  62. 

missionary,  .54,  63. 
College-extension  courses,  124. 
Colleges : 

establishment  of,  121. 

rules  relating  to,  123. 

standard  of  courses  for,  123. 
Colorado  Conference,  boundary  of,  136. 
Columbia  River  Conference,  boundary  of,  136. 
Committees  : 

for  trial  of  annual-conference  preachers,  55. 

for  trial  of  quarterly-conference  preachers,  55. 

for  trial  of  members,  25. 
Conference  : 

annual,  see  Annual  Conference. 

General,  see  General  Conference. 

quarterly,  see  Quarterly  Conference. 
Confession  of  Faith,  12. 
Constitution  of  Church,  15. 
Contests,  40. 

Contribution  card,  formula  for,  168. 
Corner-stone  laying,  formula,  for  154. 
Courses  of  reading  and  study  : 

for  quarterly-conference  preachers,  44,  66. 

for  annual-conference  preachers,  68. 

for  German  preachers,  69. 

examinations,  67. 

completing  the  course,  71. 

preparation  for  the  ministry,  71. 
Courses  of  study  in  the  colleges  : 

extension  courses,  124. 

standard  of,  123. 
Court  of  appeals,  72. 

Deaconesses,  65. 


INDEX  175 

Dead,  formula  for  burial  of,  161. 
Dedication  of  churches,  formula  for,  155. 
Delegates  to  the  General  Conference  : 

expenses  of,  41. 

how  elected,  38. 
Des  Moines  Conference,  boundary  of,  136. 
Disbanding  classes,  29. 
Dismissals  : 

of  class-leaders,  30. 

of  class-stewards,  31. 

of  members,  28. 

of  Sunday-school  superintendent,  92, 
Divorce  and  divorced  persons,  rule  regarding,  79. 

East  Nebraska  Conference,  boundary  of,  136. 
East  Ohio  Conference,  boundary  of,  136. 
East  Pennsylvania  Conference,  boundary  of,  137. 
East  Tennessee  Conference,  boundary  of,  137. 
Eastern  Conference,  boundary  of,  138. 
Education  : 

academies,  123. 

Board  of,  see  Education,  Board  of. 

colleges,  see  Colleges. 

college-extension  courses,  124. 

Union  Biblical  Seminary,  see  Union  Biblical  Seminary. 
Education,  Board  of : 

beneficiary  aid,  120. 

collections  for,  121. 

constitution  of,  119. 

executive  committee  of,  122. 

objects  of,  120. 

officers  of,  119. 

recommendations  to,  122. 

reports  of,  122. 
Educational  institutions,  see  Education. 
Educational  sermon  required,  121. 
Elders : 

duties  of,  50. 

election  to  orders,  50. 

examination  of  candidates  for  orders,  49. 

ordination  of,  50,  53. 
formula  for,  153. 

questions  regarding  candidates,  49. 

special  provisions,  50. 

who  are,  48. 
Election  of  General  Conference  delegates  : 

conference  representation,  38. 

publication  of  results,  40. 

returns  of,  39. 
Electioneering  forbidden,  37. 
Elkhorn  and  Dakota  Conference,  boundary  of,  138. 


176  INDEX 

Erie  Conference,  boundary  of,  138. 
Estimating  committee,  34. 
Evangelists : 

authorized,  48. 

work  of,  63. 
Examinations  : 

of  annual  conferences,  16,  41. 

of  preachers  regarding  life,  36. 
Exchange  of  pastors  by  presiding  elder,  52. 
Exhorters  : 

duties  of,  42. 

how  licensed,  42. 

renewal  of  license,  42. 

trial  of,  34,  35. 
Expelled  preachers  not  to  be  received,  46. 
Expulsion  : 

of  annual-conference  preachers,  56. 

of  quarterly-conference  preachers,  55. 

Family  piety,  21. 
Fast  days,  54. 
Forms : 

bequests,  to  Board  of  Church  Trustees,  166. 

to  Church-Erection  Society,  165. 

to  Missionary  Society,  165. 

to  Union  Biblical  Seminary,  166. 

to  Woman's  Missionary  Association,  166. 
certificate,  of  membership,  163. 

of  transfer  of  member,  163. 

of  withdrawal,  163. 
class-leader's  report.,  168. 
class-steward's  report.,  169. 
contribution  card,  168. 
license,  for  annual-conference  preachers,  164. 

for  elder,  165. 

for  exhorter,  164. 

for  quarterly-conference  preachers,  163. 

for  quarterly-conference  preachers —  permanent,  164. 
pastor's  quarterly  report,  167. 
report  of  president  of  young  people's  society,  168. 
Sabbath-school  superintendent's  report,  167. 
transfer  of  preachers,  165. 

treasurer's  report  of  Board  of  Church  Trustees,  169. 
Formulas  : 

baptism,  of  adults,  150. 

of  children,  151. 
burial  of  the  dead,  161. 
church  dedication,  155. 
holy  communion,  151. 
laying  of  corner-stone,  154. 


INDEX  177 

marriage  ceremony,  158. 

with  ring,  159. 
ordination  of  elders,  153. 
reception  of  members  into  the  Church,  149. 

General,  Conference  : 

absent  voters  for  delegates,  39. 

appeals  to,  73. 

bishops'  announcement  of  representation,  38. 

canvassing  and  publication  of  returns,  40. 

composition  of,  15,  38. 

contests,  40. 

duties  of,  15. 

election,  of  delegates  to,  15,  38. 
of  oflScers,  41. 

election  boards,  39. 

election  returns,  39. 

entertainment  of,  41. 

examination  of  annual  conferences,  41. 

expenses  of  delegates,  41. 

lists  of  nominees  and  blanks,  39. 

location  of,  41. 

members  of,  15,  37. 

nomination,  of  lay  delegates,  38. 
of  ministerial  delegates,  38. 

presiding  officers  of,  16,  53. 

quorum,  15. 

representation  in,  38. 

tellers  to  count  votes  for  delegates,  38. 
General  steward  : 

how  elected,  34. 

member  of  quarterly  conference,  33. 
German  churches,  transfer  to  English  and  vice  versa,  84. 
Germany  Conference,  boundary  of,  138. 
Government  of  the  Church,  29. 

Historical  Society  : 

constitution,  129. 

General  Conference  recognition  of,  129. 

members  of,  130. 

officers  of,  130, 131. 

property  of,  131. 
History  of  the  Church,  outline  of,  7. 
Home,  Frontier,  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society,  see  Missionary 

Society,  Home,  Frontier,  and  Foreign. 
Home  missions,  102. 
Home  training  of  children,  63. 

Illinois  Conference,  boundary  of,  139. 
12 


178  INDEX 

Incorporation  of  boards  of  trustees  : 

for  church  houses  and  parsonages,  82. 

for  general  church  property,  84. 
Institutions  for  Christian  Instruction  and  Training,  87. 
Insurance  of  church  property,  82,  114. 
Iowa  Conference,  boundary  of,  139, 
Itinerancy,  17,  59. 
Itinerants,  see  Preachers,  itinerant. 

Japan  Mission  District,  147. 

Kansas  Conference,  boundary  of,  139. 
Kentucky  Mission  District,  146. 

Lay  delegates : 

in  the  annual  conferences,  35. 
in  the  General  Conference,  15,  38. 
Leaders,  class-,  see  Class-leaders. 
License : 
granting : 

to  annual-conference  preachers,  45. 
to  exhorters,  34,  42. 

to  preachers  by  quarterly  conference,  34,  42. 
to  women,  45. 
permanent  license,  67. 
renewal  of: 

exhorter's,  42. 

quarterly-conference  preacher's,  44. 
Licentiates  : 

probation  of,  49. 
who  they  are,  48. 
Limit  of  certificate  of  members,  28. 
Limit  of  transfer  of  preachers,  47. 
Literature  : 

circulation  of  general  church,  61. 
in  Sunday  schools,  93. 
Loans  of  Church-Erection  Society,  113. 
Local  preachers,  see  Preachers,  local. 
Lord's  Supper : 
doctrine  of,  13. 
formula  for,  151. 
preparation  for,  31. 
presiding  elder  to  administer,  51. 
Lower  Wabash  Conference,  boundary  of,  139. 

Marriage  : 

formula  foi',  158,  159. 

marriage  relation,  79, 

who  may  solemnize,  57, 
Maryland  Conference,  boundary  of,  140. 


INDEX  179 

Members  of  Church: 

acceptance  of  applicants,  20. 

amenability  of  those  having  certificates,  28.  ^  -^ 

apportionments  to,  So. 

dismissal  of,  28. 

duties  of,  21. 

limit  of  certificate,  28. 

preacher's  responsibility  in  reception  of,  20. 

questions  to  applicants,  19. 

receiving  persons  from  other  churches,  20. 

reception  of,  19. 

seceding,  75. 

seekers,  20. 

transfer  of,  27. 
form  for,  163. 

trial  of,  25. 
Membership,  Ministry,  and  Government  of  the  Church,  19. 
Miami  Conference,  boundary  of,  140. 
Michigan  Conference,  boundary  of,  140. 
Ministry  of  Church  : 

annual-conference  preachers,  see  Preachers,  annual-conference. 

bishops,  see  Bishops. 

classification  of,  47. 

elders,  see  Elders. 

exhorters,  see  Exhorters. 

marriage,  who  may  solemnize,  57. 

preachers'  duties  in  general,  57. 

preparation  for,  71. 

presiding  elders,  see  Presiding  elders. 

quarterly-conference  preachers,  see  Preachers,  quarterly-con- 
ference. 

reception  of  preachers  from  other  churches,  47. 

trial  of  preachers,  see  Trials. 
Minnesota  Conference,  boundary  of,  141. 
Mission  conferences,  organization  of,  54. 
Mission  districts,  101. 

boundaries  of,  146. 
Missionaries : 

duties  of,  101. 

salaries  of,  101. 
Missionary  Association,  Woman's,  see  Woman's  Missionary  As- 
sociation. 
Missionary  Society,  Home,  Frontier,  and  Foreign  : 

bequests  to,  103. 
form  of,  165. 

board  of  directors,  100. 

branch  officers,  102. 

branch  societies,  102. 

branch  societies'  control  of  home  missions,  102. 

conference  conventions,  101. 


180  INDEX 

constitution,  99. 

contributions,  object  designated,  102. 

formation  of  self-supporting  conferences,  103. 

home  missions,  102. 

life  directors  and  members  of,  99. 

local  societies,  103. 

officers,  99. 

duties  of,  100. 

Sabbath  schools  as  auxiliary  to,  92. 

thank-offering  for,  101. 

treasurers'  security,  103. 

unoccupied  territory,  103. 
Missouri  Conference,  boundary  of,  141. 
Moral  reform,  77. 
Moving  the  preacher,  64. 

Neosho  Conference,  boundary  of,  141. 

New  schools,  formation  of,  121. 

Nonconformity  to  the  world,  23. 

North  Ohio  Conference,  boundary  of,  141. 

Northwest  Kansas  Conference,  boundary  of,  141. 

Oaths,  78. 
Official  boards : 

duties  of,  32. 

members  of,  31. 

revision  of  records  by,  32. 
Ohio  German  Conference,  boundary  of,  142. 
Oklahoma  Conference,  boundary  of,  142. 
Ontario  Conference,  boundary  of,  142. 
Orders,  election  to  elders',  50. 
Ordination  : 

of  elders,  50. 

formula  for,  153. 
Oregon  Conference,  boundary  of,  142. 
Origin  of  the  Church,  7. 

Parsonages  : 

abandoned,  83. 

building  of,  81. 

conditions  of  mortgages  and  liens,  83. 

conference  or  district  property,  84. 

division  of  interest  in,  84. 

duty  of  churches  to  provide,  64. 

real  estate,  84. 

sale  or  rent  of,  83. 

trustees  of,  81. 
Pastor : 

collections  for,  31. 

duties  of,  see  Preachers,  itinerant,— duties  of,  ( 


INDEX  181 


duty  of  members  to  receive,  23. 
resignation  of,  69. 
Pastoral  charges,  60. 
Pastoral  visiting,  63. 

Pennsylvania  Conference,  boundary  of,  142. 
Poor,  care  of,  23. 
Preachers : 

annual-conference : 

accountable  to  quarterly  conference,  47. 
classification  of,  47,  48. 
course  of  reading  for,  68. 
elders,  see  Elders, 
evangelists,  48,  63. 
examination  of,  44. 
exemption  from  examination,  46. 
expelled  preacher,  46. 
form  of  license,  164. 
how  received,  44. 

itinerants,  see  Preachers,  itinerant, 
license  of  women,  45. 
licentiates,  48,  49. 
limit  of  transfer,  47. 
local  preachers,  17,  48. 
membership  of  church  required,  28. 
qualifications  of,  45. 
questions  to,  37. 
transfer  of,  46. 
trial  of,  55. 
general  duties,  57. 
itinerant : 

circulation  of  literature,  61. 

classification  of,  48. 

collections  by,  62. 

defined,  48. 

dismissal  of  appointments,  62. 

duties  of,  61. 

in  the  transfer  of  members,  28. 
to  Sunday-schools,  90. 
to  the  poor,  23. 
employment  of  other  than  itinerant,  60. 
examination  by  annual  conference,  36. 
how  constituted,  59. 
membership  in  church  required,  28. 
moving  of,  64. 
pastoral  charges,  60. 
pastoral  visiting,  63. 
power  to  change,  52. 
records  of,  62. 
reports  of,  61, 167. 
resignation  of,  59. 


182  INDEX 

revision  of  records,  61. 

salaries  of,  64. 

stationing  of,  59. 
appeal  from,  60. 

stewards'  duties  regarding,  31. 

superannuated,  48,  64. 

supernumerar3%  48. 

support  of,  22,  64. 

withdrawal  of,  59. 
local : 

defined,  48. 

voting  of,  17. 
quarterly-conference : 

course  of  reading  for,  44,  66. 

examination  of,  48,  66. 

license  of,  42. 

recommendation  to  annual  conference,  44. 

renewal  of  license,  44, 

required  to  hold  church  membership,  28. 

trial  of,  34,  55. 
restrictions  upon,  58. 
Presiding  elders  : 
duties  of,  51. 

in  election  of  General  Conference  delegates,  39o 

regarding  incorporation  of  church  trustees,  ih 

regarding  young  people's  societies,  51. 
election  of,  50. 

power  to  dismiss  pastors,  52. 
power  to  exchange  pastors,  52. 
reports  of,  51. 
stationing  of,  50. 
support  of,  50. 
vacancies  filled,  52. 
Presiding-elder  steward,  30,  31. 
Printing  Establishment : 
local  committee,  115. 
name  and  oflicers,  115. 
profits  of,  117. 
publishing  agent,  116. 
trustees  — election  and  duties,  115. 
vacancies,  117. 
Property : 

church  houses  and  parsonages,  81. 
of  General  Board  of  Church  Trustees,  86. 
title  to,  17. 
Publications,  Church,  118. 
Publishing  House,  see  Printing  Establishment. 

Quarterly  Conferenck  : 

appeal  to  annual  conference,  35. 


INDEX  183 

appeals  and  trials,  34. 

apportionuient  to  members,  35. 

duties  and  powers  of,  33. 

estimating  committee  appointed  by  the,  34. 

examination  of  applicants  for  license,  43. 

general  steward  appointed  by,  34. 

licensing,  of  exhorters,  34,  42. 

of  preachers,  34,  42. 
members  of,  33. 
permanent  license  by,  44. 
place  of  meeting,  35. 
quorum  for  transaction  of  business,  33. 
recommending  preachers  to  annual  conference,  34,  44. 
renewing  licenses,  34. 
reviewing  acts  of  official  board,  32. 

Real  estate  for  church  purposes,  84. 
Records  : 

church,  62. 

of  class-leaders,  30. 

of  trials,  27. 

revision  of,  61. 
Reorganization  of  classes,  61. 
Reports  : 

of  bishops,  54. 

of  pastors,  61,  167. 

of  presiding  elders,  51. 

of  proceedings  of  General  Conference  authorized,  117. 
Representation  in  General  Conference,  15,  38. 
Resignation  of  pastors,  59. 
Revision  of  church  records,  61. 
Rock  River  Conference,  boundary  of,  142. 

Sabbath  observance,  14,  22,  77. 
Sabbath-School  Board,  General : 

annual  collections  for,  88. 

annual-conference  relations,  90. 

appropriations,  89. 

Children's  Day,  to  provide  for,  88. 

composition  of,  87. 

constitution  of,  87. 

duties  and  powers,  88. 

object,  87. 

officers,  duties  of,  89. 
Sabbath  schools,  87 : 

collections  for  missions  in,  92. 

constitution  for,  92. 

duties  of  superintendent,  91. 

duty  of  members  toward,  22. 

form  of  superintendent's  report,  167. 


184  INDEX 

organization  of,  91. 

pastor's  relation  to,  90. 

relation  to  missionary  work,  92. 
Sacraments  : 

baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper,  13. 

formulas  for  administering,  150, 151. 
Salaries  : 

of  bishops,  53. 

of  church-erection  secretary,  112. 

of  editors,  115. 

of  missionaries,  64, 101. 

of  missionary  secretary  and  treasurer,  100. 

of  pastors,  64. 

of  presiding  elders,  50. 

of  publishing  agent,  115. 
Sandusky  Conference,  boundary  of,  143. 
Scioto  Conference,  boundary  of,  143. 
Seceding  members,  75. 
Secret  combinations  : 

constitutional  provision,  17. 

law  on,  78. 
Secretaries  : 

of  annual  conferences,  36. 

of  boards,  see  constitutions. 
Security  of  missionary  treasurer,  103. 
Seekers,  20. 

Seminary  graduates,  71. 
Sermons,  special : 

by  bishops,  54. 

on  education,  121. 

on  missions,  63. 
Singing,  21. 
Slavery,  78. 

Southern  Indiana  Conference,  boundary  of,  143. 
Southern  Missouri  Conference,  boundary  of,  144. 
Special  rules,  77. 

St.  Joseph  Conference,  boundary  of,  144. 
Stationing  committee  ; 

appeal  from,  60. 

for  bishops,  53. 

for  pastors,  69. 

for  presiding  elders,  50. 

time  of  reporting,  60. 
Stewards,  see  Class-stewards,  General  steward,  and  Presiding-elder 

steward. 
Superannuated  ministers : 

itinerants,  48. 

support  of,  64. 
Superintendents  of  Sunday  schools ; 

dismissal  of,  92. 


INDEX  185 


elected  by  the  school,  91. 

election  by  quarterly  conference  provided  for,  91. 
Supernumerary  ministers,  48. 
Suspension  of  preachers,  55,  56. 

Teachers  of  Sunday  schools,  93. 
Tellers  : 

annual-conference,  38. 
local,  39. 
Temperance,  77. 
Thank-offering,  101. 

Thanksgiving  days,  bishops  may  appoint,  54. 
Tobacco,  43,  46,  77. 
Transfers : 

of  members,  27,  163. 
of  preachers,  46,  165. 
limit  of  transfer,  47. 
Treasurer :  * 

of  local  church,  32,  33. 
of  Missionary  Society : 
duties  of,  100. 
security  of,  103. 
Trials : 

of  exhorters,  34,  55. 
of  members,  25,  27. 

for  disobedience,  26. 
for  immoral  conduct,  25. 
in  disputes,  26. 
order  in,  27. 
president  at,  56,  61. 
records  of,  27. 
of  preachers,  55. 

quarterly-conference,  34,  55k 
annual-conference,  55. 
Trustees : 

of  churches,  81. 

of  Printing  Establishment,  115. 

of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  86. 

of  Woman's  Missionary  Association,  105. 

Union,  necessity  of,  24. 
Union  Biblical  Seminary  : 

annual  collections  for,  126. 

business  manager  of,  125. 

directors  of,  125. 

endowment  funds,  126. 

entrance  examination,  127. 

non-resident  students  of,  127. 

obligation  of  faculty,  126. 

ofncers  of,  124. 

postgraduate  studies,  127. 


186  INDEX 

United  Brethren  Publishing  House,  see  Printing  Establishment. 
Upper  Wabash  Conference,  boundary  of,  144. 

Vacajstcies  : 

in  bishopric,  54. 

in  pastoral  charges,  60. 

in  presiding-elders'  districts,  52. 
Vacant  church  houses  and  parsonages,  83. 
Virginia  Conference,  boundary  of,  145. 
Virginia  Mission  District,  147. 
Visiting  by  pastors,  63. 

War,  79. 

West  Africa  Conference,  boundary  of,  145. 
West  Nebraska  Conference,  boundary  of,  145. 
West  Tennessee  Conference,  boundary  of,  145. 
West  Virginia  Conference,  boundary  of,*146. 
White  River  Conference,  boundary  of,  146. 
Wisconsin  Conference,  boundary  of,  146. 
Withdrawal  of  members,  form  for,  163. 
Woman's  Missionary  Association : 

branch  constitution,  107. 

by-laws,  105. 

form  of  bequest,  107,  166. 

incorporation,  105. 

local  constitution,  109. 

management,  106. 

membership,  105. 

relation  to  Church,  107. 
Women,  granting  license  to,  45. 

Young  People's  Christian  Union  i 
branch  unions,  97. 
constitution  of,  95. 
conventions,  97. 
duties  of  pastors  toward,  61. 
duties  of  presiding  elders  toward,  51. 
organization,  94. 

presidents  of,  members  of  quarterly  conference,  33. 
reports  to  quarterly  conference,  94, 168. 
Watchword,  94, 
young  members  to  unite  with,  22. 


Resolved,  That  D,  Berger  and  M.  R.  Drury  be  and  are  hereby  ap- 
pointed to  edit  the  new  Discipline,  with  such  discretionary  power 
as  to  the  phraseology  and  arrangement  of  its  parts  as  may  be 
necessary  to  their  harmony,  in  accordance  with  the  order  of  this 
General  Conference. 

Resolved,  That  any  part  or  parts  of  the  Discipline  not  in  harmony 
with  the  action  of  this  Genei-al  Conference  are  hereby  repealed, 
and  that  the  editors  of  the  Discipline  are  hereby  instructed  to 
make  the  necessary  corrections  to  harmonize  all  parts  of  the  Dis- 
cipline with  the  action  of  this  General  Conference. 

Resolved,  That  the  various  rules  and  amendments  of  this  General 
Conference  shall  be  in  force  on  and  after  the  15th  day  of  August, 
\S^.— Official  Report  of  General  Conference  of  1897,  pp.  330,  568. 

187 


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